Shirley Storkson

Shirley Ann Storkson, 87, of Bismarck, ND, and previously from Jamestown, ND, passed away peacefully at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck, ND, on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Shirley a long-time Jamestown resident was born November 14, 1938, in Redfield, SD, to Homer Hardway Stoner and Della Lucille (Smith) Stoner. She grew up in Tulare, SD, and graduated from Tulare High School.

She married Don Nowell, August 4, 1956, in a country church near Hitchcock, SD. They later divorced. On February 12, 1983, she married Allen Storkson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carrington. Together they were married 43 years, until Allen's death in November 2023. Shirley and Allen were married for 40 years until his death in November 2023. They met while she was a CNA at Golden Acres Nursing Home. Together they owned the Sooper Stop and Little Store in Carrington and eventually moved to New Rockford where they owned the C- Store until they decided to retire and move to Jamestown. Shirley and Allen each had six children and they treated and loved each other's children as their own. With all the children grown and living their own lives and Allen gone, her fur babies, Charlie II, Roxy, and Kit the cat became very important. They were her constant companions and source of comfort in the last few years.

Shirley was always known to put others first and never wanted to be a burden on anyone even while in the hospital her final days. Her first thoughts were on those she loved. She was an avid reader, and it helped having a daughter as a librarian. Her daughter, Anita, introduced her to electronic reading by buying her a Kindle, something that wasn't quite a quick pick up for Shirley. But she soon embraced the new electronic age. She was a member at Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown.

Shirley is survived by five of six of her own children and five of six of her step-children, including daughters, Anita (Kevin) Tulp, Valley City, ND, Cynthia (Jay) Bauer, Carrington, ND, and June Mauch, Bismarck, ND; sons, Tom (Suzy) Nowell, Rugby, ND and Jerry (Shanon) Nowell, St. Peter, MN; stepdaughters, Robyn (Dan) Jordan, Welch, OK, Letticia (Mike) Cragen, Anchorage, AK, and Brook (Brent) Nelson, Minot, ND; stepsons, Wayde Storkson, Jamestown, ND, and Sam (Nicola) Storkson, Prior Lake, MN. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 15 step-grandchildren, and 12 step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Nowell. She is forever missed by her constant companions Charlie II, Roxy, and Kit, her fur babies.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Homer Hardway Stoner; mother, Della Lucille (Smith) Stoner; husbands, Don Nowell and Allen Storkson; stepfather, Herman Nietzel; son, James Dale Nowell; stepdaughter, Carrie Fern Pierce; grandson, Keith Allen Mauch; son-in-law, Garold Mauch; brothers, Dwayne, Nathan, Harlie, and Clinton Stoner; sisters Joyce Shoemaker, and Jean Hofeman, and sister-in-law LaDean Stoner.

VISITATION-10 AM, Friday, September 4, 2026, Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

MEMORIAL SERVICE-11 AM, Friday, September 4, 2026, Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND, with Pastor Lucinda Lien officiating.

INURNMENT-A private family service will be held following lunch September 4 at Bethlehem Cemetery, Binford, ND.