Shirley Joyce (LaPorte) Kohnke

Shirley Joyce Kohnke, age 88 of Muskegon, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, at home surrounded by family. She was born on August 25, 1935, to the late Herbert and Anna (Hanson) LaPorte. Shirley married Russell T. Kohnke on June 8, 1957, in Grand Haven, and they spent 29 years together until he passed on March 5, 1987.

Shirley worked as a housekeeping supervisor at Riverside Nursing Center until her retirement. She stayed busy with hotel housekeeping, personal housekeeping, and working alongside her daughter as a childcare provider for many years following her retirement.

There was nothing more important to Shirley than family. She was considered a “second mother” to many. Shirley enjoyed camping, gathering with family, bowling, solitaire, word searches, shopping, and going to garage sales. She was fond of all animals and babies, and her grandchildren and great-grandsons were the center of her world. Her grandchildren spent endless weekends and summers at her house, and they will remember her alongside them in every childhood memory.

Shirley is lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Taylor; grandchildren, Kyle (Alex Weglarz) Taylor and Stephanie (Bobby Gluc) Taylor; great-grandchildren, Colton and Levi Gluc; sisters, Mary Bernia and Camille Anderson; brother Herbert “Bud” LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Russell; brothers, Everett and Donald LaPorte; and sister, Vera Stevens.

A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice, Harbor Humane Society, or Michigan Disabled American Veterans.

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