Shirley Marie (Coull) Varilek

Shirley Marie (Coull) Varilek,95, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, at Edgewood Living in Pierre, South Dakota.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, February 20th at the First United Methodist Church in Pierre. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery in Pierre.

For those unable to attend the service it will be live streamed in the link on her obituary page on Isburg Funeral Chapels website.

Born on October 7, 1928, in Athol, South Dakota, to Lloyd and Addie (Smith) Coull. Shirley grew up and attended School in Vivian, SD. After her graduation, she continued her education at Southern State College, where she earned her Teaching Certificate and met her future husband, John.

Shirley’s commitment to education was evident

through her work as a teacher in country schools. Shirley’s professional journey also led her to Dakotamart in Pierre, where she was known for her hardworking and independent spirit.

On November 23, 1946 Shirley married John Varilek, and together they raised a loving family of five children. She was widowed in 1993 and a few years later she met and married Bob Gebhart who passed away in 2001.

Shirley’s zest for life was not just limited to her family and professional endeavors. She enjoyed playing softball in her younger years and continued to embrace her competitive spirit by participating in senior games. A true country girl at heart, Shirley’s early love for hunting transitioned into a passion for camping and enjoying nature’s splendor.

Shirley was an active member of the Methodist Church and the Pierre Senior Center. She gave her time generously volunteering at the hospital, election polling stations and the Christmas Tree display at the state capital.

She is survived by her daughter Kathy Meyer of Gretna, NE; three sons, Terry (Mary) Varilek of Pierre, Tim (Marla) Varilek of Parker, CO, Greg (Lori) Varilek, also of Parker, CO, ten grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren and sister Caroline Sorenson of Pierre.

She was preceded in death by both husbands a daughter Vickie Maskovich her parents, three brothers and two sisters and son-inlaw Jon Meyer.

Memorials can be directed in Shirley’s memory to the First United Methodist Church or Countryside Hospice and Memory Care.