Shirley Ann Blake

 Shirley Ann Kalen, loving wife of Toivo, Bill and Dale, was led gently home to Jesus on January 30, 2023.
     Shirley was born to William and Emma Kalen on April 1, 1936 in Highland Park, Michigan. She was the last of 10 siblings, all beginning with "S": Soren, Severt, Selmer, Sylvester, Samuel, Stewart, Steven, Sadie, and Sally. She graduated from Jeffers High School in Painsdale, Michigan.
     On June 25, 1955, Shirley married Toivo Keranen at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Toivola. They had two children: Cheryl Ann and Richard William August.
     Shirley was a businesswoman who, in addition to various accounting jobs, worked at the Montgomery Wards Catalog Store, the JC Penney Catalog Store, and she also was the owner of Beacon Books which was one of her ministries.  She was very involved in her church, Redeemer Free Lutheran, and the Christian Women's Club. She always had a smile and a gentle word for everyone. She loved having company and had the gift of hospitality, among many others. She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman.
     Shirley married Bill Dorvinen on December 21, 1996, and loves his family as her own. Bill and Shirley traveled the country and worked on various faith-based mission projects in addition to visiting family and friends.
     Shirley and Dale Blake were married on June 7, 2009, and she loves his family as her own.  They also were able to travel the country visiting relatives and friends.
     She is survived by her children; Cheryl Jarrett of Ontonagon; Ric and wife Pat of Dehnam Springs, Louisiana; Grandson Rick and wife Sara and their two children Ricky and Riley Grace; Grandson Jamey and wife Melissa and their two children Emma and Olivia; beloved niece Char and husband Tom Tomassi, other extended family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.
     She was preceded in death by her parents, all nine siblings, first husband Toivo Keranen, second husband Bill Dorvinen, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
     A celebration of life will be on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., visitation one hour before the service with lunch to follow at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Ontonagon. Interment will be at the Toivola cemetery in the spring.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Aspirus Hospital Ironwood for the tender care she received.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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