Shirley A Krenkel

Shirley Krenkel (née Kulak), 77, of St. John, Indiana, formerly of South Holland, Illinois and the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, passed away on August 21, 2026, with her children by her side.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Gertrude Kulak; her father, Stanley Kulak; her husband, John Krenkel; and her brothers, Stanley Kulak and James Kulak.

Shirley is survived by her children, Melissa Krenkel and John Krenkel; her grandchildren, Joshua, Amie, and Phoenix Krenkel, and Abigail and Patrick Sullivan; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Shirley dedicated many years to government service, first with the Department of Defense in Chicago, Illinois, and later with the Department of Energy at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois.

She was deeply faithful to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that faith carried her through every season of her life. Shirley found real joy in dancing and in the programs at the Cancer Resource Center in Munster, where she found community and encouragement.

Shirley endured years of health challenges but always met them with positivity and unwavering faith. In her final days, she gracefully chose Hospice of the Calumet Area, allowing her to live out her remaining time pain- and worry-free in her home in St. John. She was grateful and comforted to be visited by her children, grandchildren, family, and friends throughout her final weeks.

Shirley will be remembered for her strength, her grace under hardship, and the deep faith that never wavered. She leaves behind a family and a legacy of love.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a wake service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Wednesday with prayers at 11:30 a.m. from the Elmwood Chapel, 11300 West 97th Lane, St. John, Indiana 46373 to St. John the Evangelist Church – Day Chapel (corner of 93rd and 41). Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 p.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.