Shirley M. Buikema, 90, of Morrison, IL, formerly of Fulton, IL, died Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL.
Shirley was born January 10, 1935, in Fulton, to Herman and Betty (Damhoff) Koenes. She was educated in the Fulton grade schools and was a graduate of Fulton High School. On October 7, 1955, she married Robert “Bob” A. Buikema at Second Reformed Church in Fulton. They shared their lives for over 68 years, before Bob’s passing on December 28, 2023. Shirley was employed by General Electric in Morrison for many years before retiring in 1990. She was a member of Fulton Presbyterian Church and Community Presbyterian Church in Lake Havasu, AZ, where she and her husband spent over 30 winters as snowbirds. Shirley found joy in singing in the church choir and playing in the bell choir. She was also a proud member of Eastern Star, Fulton Fire Department Auxiliary, and American Legion Auxiliary. Shirley liked playing cards, reading a good book, putting together puzzles, and working crosswords. She and Bob loved spending time together. Above all, Shirley’s greatest joy came from time spent with her family, who brought her endless pride and happiness.
Survivors include her daughters, Cynthia Clarkson of Fulton, Lori (Steven) Colschen of Clinton, IA, and Lisa (Jeff) Witt of Fulton; seven grandchildren, Mark (Michelle) Clarkson and Eric (Nicole) Clarkson, Jared (Michelle) Colschen, and Kayla (Adam) Determann, Elysia (Chad) Cain, Brian (Hailey) Witt and Benjamin (Jennifer) Witt; 14 great-grandchildren, Elijah Clarkson, Kane and Clayton Clarkson, Tyler (Aubrey) Colschen and Allie Mae Colschen, Bryce Soenksen, Aria, Maverick, and Amelia Determann, Abigail and Alivia Cain, Kennedy, Hadley, and Oliver Witt; one great-great-grandson, Eddie Steven Soenksen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob; son-in-law, Mark Clarksonas; sister, Norma Knott; brother, Robert Koenes.
Visitation was held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Her Funeral service began at 1:00 p.m., with Ron Koehn officiating.
Interment was in Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL.
A Memorial has been established to Fulton Presbyterian Church and Resthave Assisted Living Center.