Please join us in sending along prayers and condolences to AWMA’s First Vice Chairman, Jon Burklund, whose mother Shirley Burklund, died on Sunday.

Shirley Rose Burklund, age 83, died at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.  She was born on Feb. 24, 1926, in Peoria, the daughter of Arthur B. and Edna V. (Rhind) Conner. She married Dale E. Burklund on March 17, 1946, in Peoria. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Janet Singer of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Joyce Perino of Peoria, Jayme (Rob) Hackett of Peoria and Jonathan (Rita) Burklund of Peoria; grandchildren, Jennifer Perino, Frank (Julie) Perino II, Rob (Lisa) Hackett II, Sarah (Jesse) McDonald, Steve (Maire) Meints, Kelly Burklund, Corey Burklund and Abigail Singer; great-grandchildren, Gracie Brinker, Nicholas Perino, Michael Perino, Conner McDonald and Lucas Meints; and her sister, Mary Lu (Phillip) Wilcox of Columbus, Ohio.

During WWII, she worked at Caterpillar Inc. in the Treasury Department.

Living a life of love and service, Shirley was as a volunteer at Proctor Hospital for 38 years and was a member of the Mizph Circle of Kings Daughters. Later in life, her love of children called her to help at St. Paul Lutheran Pre-School.
Her family was her greatest joy, especially being Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Private family graveside services will be held. Family and friends were invited to attend a Celebration of Life Gathering at the Country Club of Peoria on Grandview Drive on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Proctor Hospital Volunteer Services, Easter Seals or to the American Red Cross.

Online condolences may be submitted through www.cumerford.com.

Richard S. Wilton, funeral director through Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home in Peoria, was in charge of arrangements.