Thomas Anthony Shirek

Thomas Anthony Shirek, age 50 of Park River, formerly of Adams, North Dakota, passed away Monday, June 15, 2020 at the First Care Health Center of Park River.

Thomas Anthony Shirek was born December 30, 1969 in Park River, North Dakota, the son of Mary (O’Neill) Shirek and the late Frank Shirek.  He attended Adams Public School, where he excelled in music, academics and sports.  He graduated from Adams High School in 1988.  While in high school Tom worked on the family farm and Wally’s Supermarket in Grafton.  He then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics and Technology.  While attending school in Tulsa, he worked as a telemarketer for two hours and then worked for U-Haul, eventually working his way into management.  Tom returned to North Dakota and worked for Allied Van Lines and Kedney Storage, Schumacher Tires in Grand Forks, ND.  He worked for Greg Daws Farms, North Dakota Department of Transportation, Adams, ND and Trans-systems. He started Custom Ag Services, which he owned and operated, for 25 years.  While working at Schumacher Tire, Tom met the love of his life, Tara Narlock, whom he dated for six years before marriage.  Thomas was united in marriage to Tara Narlock on June 26, 1999 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne.  The couple lived on their family farm and started their family.  In 2012, the family moved into Park River.

Tom’s heart and soul was his family and he was a true farmer who loved the land.  He was goofy, patient, caring and a teacher.  His family was his anchor.  He loved fishing, hunting, the outdoors and cultivating relationships with his family and friends.  He enjoyed grilling, cooking, hospitality and competitive board games.  He was a lifetime member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne; WFL Treasurer since 1997; served on the Adams-Edmore School Board from 2002 – 2011 and volunteered with the Adams Fire Department.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Tara Shirek, Park River, ND; his children:  Courtney Shirek, Park River, ND; Brooke Shirek, Park River, ND; Alexandra Shirek, Park River, ND; mother, Mary “Susan” Shirek, Adams, ND; siblings:  Noel (Sue) Shirek, Thompson, ND; Daniel (Julie) Shirek, Thompson, ND; Susie (Wayne) Aune, Fairdale, ND; Michael (Rhonda) Shirek, Grand Forks, ND; Diane (Chris) Ericsson, Gardnerville, NV; Catherine Shirek (Leo Knudson), Thompson, ND; John (Marie) Shirek, Lankin, ND; God Children:  Mitchell Shirek, Gavin Bohlman, Erin Shirek, Cody Rasmussen, Charly Daws, Mariel Halverson and Ashley Bina.  Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.  He was preceded in death by his father, Frank and recently his aunt, Kamillia Skalicky.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne, ND.  Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the church.  Friends may also call at the church from 9:30-10:00 A.M. on Saturday.  Interment will be at the Kosobud Cemetery, rural Lankin.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Kosobud Cemetery or the Adams Quick Response.

Due to Covid restrictions overflow seating will be available with video at the Bechyne Heritage Hall.  Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are recommended.