Shirley Blank, age 91, a longtime resident of McCook, Nebraska passed away Tuesday evening, December 15, 2020 at her home in McCook. She was born on April 1, 1929 in Holdrege, Nebraska to Ludwig and Jeanette (Kugler) Gauger of Eustis, Nebraska. She was confirmed and baptized in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis. Shirley attended Eustis public schools and graduated in 1947, after graduation, she attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln until 1950.
Shirley was united in marriage to Lavern Blank on July 23, 1950 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis. The marriage was blessed with two children, David and Jean. After Vern’s graduation as a geologist they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and in 1951 they moved back to Lincoln, Nebraska where Vern was accepted into the University’s Dental School. For the next four years, Shirley worked at the University of Nebraska Lincoln Legislature and Corps of Engineers. After Vern’s graduation in 1956, the couple moved to McCook where he started his dental practice. Shirley was active in community affairs. She taught Sunday School, was a Den Mother and 4-H leader, a member of PEO Chapter FA and Memorial United Methodist Church, and worked as secretary to United Fund.
In 1984, Shirley started a mail order business of “Nebraska Baskets” promoting Nebraska foods. After much research and help from the University of Nebraska Lincoln Food Processing Center, Economic Development and Food Industry Association, the business grew and she opened a shop in downtown McCook. Her business at one point was cited as one of the top small businesses in Nebraska by NE Heartland Development.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dr. Vern Blank; her sister, Mary Jean and husband, Gale Millholen; and her brother, Louis K. Gauger.
Survivors include her son, David Blank and Sharon of Breckenridge, Colorado; daughter, Jean Solomon and husband, John, of Mountain Home, Arkansas; grandsons: Jake Solomon of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Sam Solomon and wife, Ashley and children, Jake and Jocelyn of Fort Smith, Arkansas; brothers-in-law, Dr. Don Blank and wife, Jan of Lincoln; and Ugene Blank and wife, Marge of Franklin, Nebraska; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Private family graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating.
The family invites friends to share a time of remembrance and fellowship at Shirley's house from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 6, 2021.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to Home Health and Hospice of McCook or to your local Meals on Wheels.
Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, Nebraska is entrusted with arrangements.