Shirley Ann (Royek) Krapek was born on July 1, 1936 in Riceville, IA to Edward Francis and Bernice (Machin) Royek.
Shirley passed away peacefully on May 30, 2020.
She graduated in 1954 from Osage Community High School in Osage, IA.
After her graduation she joined AT&T and then married Dr. Frank Krapek on January 31, 1959. She immediately adopted the widower’s two children, Karl J. Krapek, Sr. and Janet I. (Krapek) Andrus, who were 10 and 8 years old respectively at the time.
She became an accomplished seamstress, four-time Sunny Brae Country Club Women’s Golf Champion, and excellent mother to Karl and Janet.
On April 17, 1960, she and Dr. Krapek welcomed the birth of Tamara Genae (Krapek) Oehlers, who was loved deeply by Karl and Janet.
After Dr. Krapek passed away on April 5, 1992, Shirley settled in Arizona and became one of the best bridge players west of the Mississippi River.
She leaves behind her 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
She was a proud member of P.E.O. (An international women’s philanthropic organization), a gourmet cook, a sophisticated entertainer, and friend to all.
The burial will be private in Osage, IA next to the love of her life, Dr. Frank Krapek.
Condolences can be addressed to Tami (Krapek) Oehlers at Box 555 in North Branch, MN 55056.
My life will not be the same. As I look around my house I see so many things that remind me of her. Gifts she’s given me over the years. Pictures of our adventures. Kerrygold butter. A bottle of Pinot Grigio. I will miss her so much…our last words were love you…love you too honey.
Shawn and I are deeply saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. She would always welcome us into her home when we were visiting Arizona, always with an incredible feast. It’s hard to imagine her gone because she had such boundless energy and such a zest for life. Heaven better have a bridge tournament ready to go. God bless her and all who were lucky enough to have known her.
I will miss my dear friend and bridge partner so very much. The North seat will always remind me of Shirley. She enjoyed dressing up for bridge as much as she enjoyed playing the game. She would light up when opponents would come to the table and complement her and how her purse, shoes and jewelry all matched. She would proudly point out that her watch also matched. She was very proud of her 400+ watch collection until all the batteries need replacing!
She loved to have dinner parties. She enjoyed cooking gourmet and setting a beautiful table.
RIP my friend.
Dear Friend,
You were a cook and bridge player extraordinaire, a fashionista, a producer of comic relief and I will miss you more than words can convey!
A wonderful lady. I really enjoyed playing bridge with her and her sense of humor. Also loved to tease her
My deepest sympathy to the Krapek family, Karl, Janet and Tammy. She was a great lady. Well loved. A great bridge player, golfer and dancer. She had a good sense of humor. I know my folks (Norm and Dolores Christiansen) always enjoyed being with Frank and Shirley.
I just saw this! I love Shirley! I have been her hygienist for many years! She came in Faithfully every 4 months! And we always had the best conversations! I loved how she was always color-coordinated, even with her shoes, handbag, and jewelry! And don’t forget her watches! One for every occasion and color! We always had a ball when she came in and just laughed and enjoyed each other’s company! She will be mtssed by our whole office but especially me!
Just today I learned of Shirley’s passing. Oh, how I will miss her – her smile, her laugh, her twinkling eyes. Our bridge game will never be the same without her.