Tillie Shirek, a former resident of Junction City, WI, peacefully entered the fullness of everlasting life on December 4th, 2016, at the Portage County Health Care Center, Stevens Point. Tillie was just twelve days away from her 95th birthday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 o'clock on Saturday, December 10th, 2016, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Milladore. Rev. John Ofori-Domah will officiate. Visitation will take place at the church from 9 o'clock until the time of service. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Martens/Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family. Tillie was born Mathilda Martha Vakoc on Dec, 16, 1921, the daughter of Frank and Mary Klemish Vakoc of Milladore. She received her education at the local Stepping Stone Elementary School before attending St. John's Catholic School and McKinley High in Marshfield, WI. On October 28, 1941, Tillie married Frank J. Shirek of Junction City. Together they farmed the Shirek Homestead, devoted to nurturing seven children and involving themselves in community affairs. Both were 4-H leaders and active members of the parish. Music played a central part in their relationship. Tillie's favorite band was, "The Little Bohemian Band", of which Frank was a member. After her beloved Frankie's untimely death on Oct. 29, 1975, Tillie steadfastly continued on with the treasures she valued most----faith, family and friends. She was an excellent homemaker and loved to bake, cook, sew, garden, can, make quilts for her grandchildren and create a cozy inviting home. Ever the gracious hostess, she kept her freezer filled with her special baked goods and tasty food in the event of company. She enjoyed reading, polka music, playing "Wheel of Fortune", participating in social activities at the Home and cheering on her Green Bay Packers. In her later years, she held to an extraordinary spirit despite her physical limitations and amidst the deep sorrow of losing a husband, son and daughter way too soon. Throughout her life, adherence to her Catholic faith sustained her. Tillie's legacy of a lifetime of love, perseverance, acceptance and spiritual devotion is an inspiration to all. She will be remembered for her passion for life and her beautiful smile. Tillie is lovingly survived by her children: Sharon (Bob) Hollar, Janice (Len) Rozek, Don (Barb) Shirek, Gary (Jeanette) Shirek, and Dale (Karen Baneck) Shirek. Also daughter-in-law, Phyllis Shirek, son-in-law Dennis Danczyk, and sister-in-law Leona Shirek. She has been blessed with 31 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, son Frank (Butch), daughter Ruth Danczyk and great grandson Nicholas Rathke; five brothers, Ladd, Victor, Frank, Norman and Leonard Vakoc, a sister Mary Steckler, and their respective spouses. Tillie had a special place in her heart for the remarkable staff at the Portage County Health Care Center where she received abundant kindness and compassionate loving care since July 2004. Her family is forever grateful to them, to Heartland Hospice, and to all extended family, friends and neighbors who so thoughtfully remembered our beloved Mom throughout these past challenging years.