Shirley Folk

Shirley Folk, 76, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville, MN.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home Chapel in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday. Fr. Tom Hartman will officiate the service and inurnment will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Milbank, SD.

Shirley Mae (Roeder) Folk was born on October 28, 1949, in Ortonville, MN, to Edwin and Laura (Steltz) Roeder. She was raised in the Ortonville area along with her four siblings.

After Shirley graduated from high school, she embarked on a remarkable career, first at First National Bank and later dedicating over 30 years as an insurance underwriter at State Auto/Milbank Mutual Insurance Company. Her exemplary work ethic and unwavering dedication to her craft were characteristic of her generous and caring spirit.

On June 25, 1966, Shirley was united in marriage with Donald “Butch” Folk in Milbank, SD. Together, they raised two children on the family farm just outside of Corona, SD.

Outside of work, Shirley was a member of the Catholic Church and cherished moments spent at the Millstone with her best friend, Karen. Shirley and Butch enjoyed frequent get-a-ways to the casinos around the local area. An avid baker, Shirley had a talent for creating delicious treats, which she joyfully shared with family and friends, always expressing the warmth and love she carried in her heart.

Shirley was passionate about gardening, nurturing a large garden that provided a bounty of tomatoes for canning and the famous pickles that were a staple in her pantry. Her greatest joy, however, came from her grandchildren and being a “G.G.” to her great-grandchildren, with whom she shared a deep and abiding love. Always willing to spend time with family and friends, Shirley created lasting memories and forged close bonds that will be cherished forever.

Shirley is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Donald “Butch” Folk of Corona, SD; two children: Don L. Folk of Milbank, SD; and Shannon (Dan) Folk Peiker of Milbank, SD; two grandchildren: Shane (Allison) Peiker of Corona, SD; and Megan (Sam) Athey of Milbank, SD; three great-grandchildren: Averyana Athey, Emersyn Athey, and Bennett Peiker; siblings: Donna (Brad) Howland of Battle Lake, MN; Jeanette (Don) Felton of Odessa, MN; Greg Roeder of Ortonville, MN; and Rick (Diana) Roeder of Princeton, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and several aunts and uncles.