Shirley Jean Vahlkamp

Shirley Jean Vahlkamp (Kuerschen)

Born:              September 3, 1924

Parents:         Albert and Minnie Kuerschen

One Sister:    Janice Kay Kuerschen

Education:    Harrison Grade School                               Played in the school band

                        Beamont High School                                 On the swim team

                        Washington University (2 years)              On the swim team

                        St. Louis Community College (2 years)   Degree in Para Legal

Business:       Washington University- 1942-1944        Part Time

                                                                      1944-1978 Purchasing Dept.- Secretary to the Vice Chancellor

                        Burroughs Corp. (Unisys)       Secretary to District Manager-taught word processing-retired at age 62.

                        Edward Jones                            Three days a week in the mutual funds dept.

                                                                              Retired at age 75 as a Jones Limited Partner

Life:               Married for 22 years - divorced

                     She was devoted to her sister and her sister was devoted to her. They lived together, after their parents died and traveled to many of the places mentioned below.

                     Loved to travel- As she often told people "God decided to let me see his world rather than have children". She did, she went to China, India, Russia, Europe, Africa, U.S., and Mexico.

                   She saw the Monarch Butterflies and grey whales of Mexico, Polar Bears of Canada, Ice bergs of Newfoundland, rode a camel in Egypt, and an elephant in India.

                       Volunteering was her next love:

                 She sold newspapers on "Old Newsboy Day", read menus to eye surgery patients, at Siteman Center. Surgical Waiting, member of the BJSP Hospital Auxiliary, and served on their board. She was also a devoted member of Unity Church of Light- Organized the "Caregiver" whose purpose was to help others, and served on their board.

                        Shirley was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.