Shirlene Engels, 86, of Sioux Falls, died on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Legends on Lake Lorraine with her family by her side. Shirlene was born on July 26, 1939, in Friedheim, MO, to Herman and Augusta (Ahrens) Kester. After graduating from Oak Ridge High School in 1957, she worked for the airlines in Chicago and Cleveland. She met Richard in Cleveland, and they married there on June 27, 1964.

Shirlene and Richard moved to Watertown, SD in 1965 and relocated to Sioux Falls in 1977 with their two daughters. In addition to taking care of her family, Shirlene enjoyed a long career at Dayton's (later Marshall Field's/Macy's), where she made many wonderful friends. She was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Richard of Sioux Falls; her children, Suzanne Sirovy (Kevin) of Valley Springs, SD, and Shari McCloskey (Sean) of Newport Beach, CA; and two grandchildren, Ryan McCloskey and Cooper McCloskey. She will always be in their hearts.

Growing up and throughout her life, she was known as Susan by her family in Missouri. She is survived by two sisters, Georgia Lee Bazzell and Carolyn (Jerry) Dockins; three brothers, Leroy Kester, Bobby Kester, and Mike (Joyce) Kester; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Lange, and two brothers, Richard Kester and Eugene Kester.

Interment took place on January 15, 2026, at the SD Veterans Cemetery with Pastor Elizabeth Platts of Peace Lutheran Church officiating. A memorial celebration for Shirlene will be held this spring, her favorite season, as she loved gardening.