Shirley L. Louks, 87, of Owatonna, formerly of Claremont joined her soulmate, Chub, Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at her home with family by her side and in the arms of her granddaughter, Alyssa.
She was born December 13, 1935, the daughter of Clarence and Laura Smith, in Rochester, Minnesota where she grew up. She met Caroll “Chub” Louks after going with a friend to his home to steal beer from his cow tank. After a first date to the movies they were inseparable. They married on August 5, 1951, and made a life of farming in Dodge Center, Bixby and eventually Claremont where they lived and farmed for 55 years.
Shirley moved off the farm in 2020 into Owatonna after her eyesight and health gave her difficulties in keeping up her garden, mowing lawn and the other tasks of country living. She was known to always have fresh chocolate chip cookies for any visitors to eat.
She is survived by her children, Lonnie Louks of Owatonna, Steve (Jan) Louks of Claremont, Jeff (Barbie) Louks of Claremont and Kelly Niccum of Owatonna; daughter-in-law, Bonjie Louks of Owatonna; brother-in-law, James Jenkins of Spring Valley; best friend, Arlene Louks of Owatonna and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Laura; husband, Chub Louks (2001); son, Dale Louks (2013); grandson, Ryan Louks (1980) and siblings, Joan Jenkins and Richard Smith.
A Celebration of Life Gathering was held at Kramer Farms, 16509 – 710th Street, Hayfield, MN 55940 on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A private burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Claremont at a later date.
