Willis L. Shirk

Willis L. Shirk, 87, of New Holland, son of the late Harry Jacob Shirk and Frances S. Wenger Shirk of Terre Hill, passed away peacefully at Lancaster General Hospital on Monday evening, January 30, 2017.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gladys Brown Shirk; brothers, Luke Shirk and Carroll Shirk; and sisters Alberta Gehman, Helen Good, Pearl Martin, and Beula Shirk.

He is survived by his brother, Charles Shirk; his sisters, Dorothy Martin, LaReta Sandoe, and Miriam Brendle; and his sons Willis L. Shirk, Jr., husband of Sandra Strunk, and Alexander M., husband of Beverly Sentman Shirk. He also has two grandsons, Mark, husband of Fiona Burns Shirk, and Craig, husband of Laura Heisey Shirk.

Willis, “Red”, worked in the warehouse at Sperry New Holland for thirty years. He and his wife, Gladys, enjoyed attending public auctions, their mountain retreat outside Belleville, and buying antiques. Willis was especially passionate about his Packards and Thunderbirds and enjoyed attending family gatherings and spending time with his friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3 at 2 pm at the Groff-High Funeral Home, 145 W. Main St., New Holland, with the Reverend Mark D. Moore officiating. Interment will be in the Zeltenreich’s Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday from 1-2 pm. Friends and family are invited to a light lunch at Rank’s Church following internment. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, www.alsphiladelphia.org. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.