Gilbert Shirley

Gilbert "Gil"' Shirley, 87, Bismarck, died June 25, 2004, at his home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck with the Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. Burial will be at the ND Veteran's Cemetery with military rites provided by VFW Post 1326. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 am - 9 pm at Eastgate Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service at the church. Gil was born on May 21, 1917, in Robinson, North Dakota, the son of Gustav and Petra Hanson Shirley. He was raised and educated in Robinson, the ninth of thirteen children. He left home at an early age to join the CCC Civilian Conservation Corp. Gil continued his education with classes at NDSU in Fargo. He married Marjorie Allan on October 19, 1941. Gil served with the 164th Infantry, Company A, during World War II. His battles and campaigns included Guadalcanal, the Northern Solomons, and the Southern Philippines. He received many medals including the Bronze Star. Gil was proud to serve his country and played an active role in the 164th Infantry reunions. After the war, Gil worked for a short time at the State Lab before embarking on a long career at Vantine's Paint and Glass. He was an excellent athlete and an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life. He participated in many sports including basketball, volleyball, golf, and fast pitch softball. He was inducted into the North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame in 1970. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Bismarck Elks Club, VFW Post No. 1326, and the American Legion Lloyd Spetz Post No. 1, and the 164th Infantry Association. Gil is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Doug Joersz of Bismarck; his grandchildren, Matt and Sara Joersz of Bismarck; his brother, Glen Shirley of Underwood; and his sisters, Agnes Glock of Bismarck and Evelyn Price-Giese of Steele. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie; infant twins, Michael and Margo; his brothers, Art, Orville, Melvin, and Edwin; and his sisters, Minnie, Glady, Gilma, Hilda, and Edna. The family prefers memorials to the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, Trinity Lutheran Church, or donor's choice.

Gilbert Shirley

May 21, 1917 - June 25, 2004