Shirley Marie Wickoren

Shirley Marie Wickoren, age 98, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at her daughter’s home. Shirley was born on June 9, 1928, in Austin, Minnesota, to Fred and Martha (Hemman) Smith. She grew up in Austin and graduated from St. Augustine’s High School. She then attended college in Austin for secretarial work.

Shirley met Donald “Wick” Wickoren at a dance in Albert Lea, and they fell in love. They were married on May 13, 1950, and ended up adopting and raising three children. She held many jobs in her life, but the two that stood out to her were working at The Ford Garage as a secretary and working as a teacher’s aide for the Austin Public School System, retiring in 1991. She was a lifetime member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church and was a member of multiple bridge clubs.

Shirley enjoyed the outdoors. You would find her golfing, gardening, camping, and, in the winter, snowmobiling. Above all, Shirley loved her family, whether it was taking care of the grandkids or being out and doing activities with them.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Jane (Jerome) Wickoren Wilker of Rochester, Minnesota; daughters-in-law, Polly Merhar, Carol Wickoren, and Deana Wickoren; grandchildren, Alex Wilker, Abby Wilker, Joshua Wickoren, and Brittany (Matt) Wickoren Savage; great-grandchild, Atticus; brother, David Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Martha Smith; husband, Donald “Wick” Wickoren; sons, Jon Wickoren and James Wickoren; and special friend, Maurice “Bud” Kroc.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Abby Wilker for the wonderful care that she provided in the last few years. The family would also like to sincerely thank Mayo Clinic Hospice for all the care they provided.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota, with Father James Starasinich officiating. The visitation will take place one hour prior to Mass. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.