Shirley F. Guske

Shirley Frances Guske passed peacefully, listening to the reading of the Psalms in the presence of her family on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Shirley was born on June 8, 1924, in Chicago, IL, to the late Burr G. Johnson and Daisey (Perfect) Johnson. She always joked that she was fortunate to be born into the “Perfect” family. She graduated from Amundsen High School in 1941, and went to work for the Army Intelligence Agency during World War II.  She met and married Fred A. Guske in 1949 and had 2 sons, Philip and Glen.  Shirley came to know Christ as her Lord in 1960 through the Forest Glen Baptist Church in Chicago. She served there faithfully for 51 years as a VBS director, Sunday School teacher, Women’s Bible Class leader, pianist, vocalist, and church secretary. However, she would say her most important role was raising her sons to honor Christ.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Fred; and son, Glen, both of whom died from Huntington’s Disease; her brother, Warren B. Johnson; and nephew, Greg Johnson (Kathy).

She is survived by her son, Philip W. Guske (Karen); special daughter-in-law, Irene S. Guske; grandchildren, Deborah M. Riley (Mark) and Philip A. Guske (Kelley); great-grandchildren, Rosaleah, Elijah, Raine, and Lochlann Guske. Also surviving are special nieces in Washington state, Sundee Jacobson (Marty), Sheila Teeter, Terri Hazelwood (Ron); and many grand-nieces and nephews.

A special thanks goes to her wonderful caregivers and staff at Alpine Fireside Health Center as well as Northern Illinois Hospice.

A memorial service will be conducted at the Red Brick Church, 207 W. Roosevelt St., Stillman Valley, IL 61084, on Saturday, March 28, 2026 with a visitation beginning at 10:00am and the service at 11:00am conducted by Pastor David Bogner. A luncheon will follow.  Gifts and memorials should be made out to her favorite mission, First Love International, 2515 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL 61107.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley F. Guske, please visit our floral store.