Obituary: Shirley Steiert Mrochek

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and our dear father John Mrochek’s life-long partner, Shirley Steiert Mrochek, went to be with her Savior, Monday, March 24.

Shirley grew up in Monona, Iowa, on her parents’, Leo and Florence Steiert’s, farm. She ventured out west where she met John Mrochek in Long Beach, Calif. Shirley and John moved to Oak Ridge in 1964, where they raised six children. As a mother of six, Shirley volunteered with Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, ballet, and school functions, including working frequently as the school nurse.

She returned to her career as a registered nurse as her children grew up, so she could continue taking care of others as was her nature. After retirement, Shirley spent many days practicing her love of gardening among the flowers and vegetables.

Shirley was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Oak Ridge for many years, where she volunteered on a regular basis. Jack and Shirley moved to Knoxville to be closer to their children several years ago. Many happy days were spent at each others’ homes celebrating weekends, birthdays and holidays, watching grandchildrens’ activities, and being close.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Mrochek, her sister, Patricia Koenigs of Iowa, and brothers Lynwood Steiert of Minnesota and Dr. John Steiert of Missouri. Shirley leaves many dear friends and six children, Dr. Michael Mrochek (Diana) and their children Justin and Jena of El Paso, Texas, Pat Mrochek (Becky) of Oak Ridge, Susan DePaoli (Dave) and their children Dominic and Carmen of Knoxville, Sandra Kennel (Fred) of Nashville, Linda Jones (Brent) of Knoxville, and Julie Hall (Hubert) and their children Tori and Justine of Knoxville.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary on Sunday, March 30, with a Rosary Service beginning at 7 p.m. with Father Dustin Collins officiating. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 31, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

An online guest book may be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.