Obituary of Shirley Bulka

Celebrating The Life Of Shirley Bulka

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Pauline Bulka (Halpape) on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Wynyard Hospital with family by her side.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank Bulka; her father, Frank Halpape; her brother, Marty Halpape; her in-laws, Steve Sr. and Rose Bulka; her brothers-in-law, Erwin Nycholat, Joe and Steve Jr. Bulka, Herman Schultz and Joseph Bentz; her sisters-in-law, Margaret and Maria Bulka.

Left to cherish Shirley’s memory are: her son Wade (Susan) Jacobson and granddaughters Tristen (Rhett) and Kaylee; her daughter, Tiffany Bulka (Corey) and granddaughter Peyton; her daughter, Tara (Tyson) Lindal and grandchildren Dryden and Korsyn; her mother, Emily Halpape; her sisters, Valerie (Larry) Crawford, Gloria Nycholat, Lyla (Darryl) Tweidt, Jeanette Halpape, Ione (Vernon) Richards and Darla (Darrin) Brown; her sisters-in-law, Mary Bentz, Anne Eggleston (Phil), Yolanda Schultz, Liz (Garry) Macza and her brother-in-law George (Dorothy) Bulka; and many nieces and nephews, as well as extended family.

Shirley was born on July 18, 1948, at Wadena Hospital, the eldest of seven children to Frank and Emily Halpape. Shirley began her education at Fort Villa School, a small country school in the area, where she often travelled by horse and buggy. She later continued her studies at Quill Lake School.

As a child and young woman, Shirley enjoyed swimming lessons at Salt Lake, curling, and taking part in a variety of sports. Her greatest passion, however, was softball. Known as a strong and determined player, she developed a reputation as a tough competitor and carried her love for the game into adulthood, continuing to play even after moving to Lestock.

After graduating, Shirley left home at the age of 17 and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, where she worked in a café. She later relocated to North Battleford, and on December 10, 1967, she welcomed her son, Wade Richard Jacobson.

In 1970, Shirley and Wade moved to Leross. That winter, during a curling bonspiel, Shirley met the love of her life, Frank Bulka. Their connection was immediate, and before long Shirley and Wade joined Frank on the Bulka family farm. On December 21, 1973, Shirley and Frank were married at the Justice of the Peace in Regina. Shortly afterward, they renewed their vows in a celebration with family and friends at St. Mary Queen of All Hearts Church in Lestock.

Shirley embraced life on the farm, doing everything she could to help. On May 3, 1984, she and Frank welcomed their daughter, Tiffany Amy Rose, and just fifteen months later, on August 7, 1985, their second daughter, Tara Anna Marie, was born.

As the girls grew older, Shirley began working part-time off the farm. She first worked at the local hotel and later as a nurse aide and in housekeeping before finding her place in the kitchen at St. Joseph’s Hospital. It wasn’t long before she became head cook, earning a reputation for serving some of the best food around. Over the next 33 years, Shirley devoted herself to her work and community until her retirement.

Retirement didn’t slow her down for long—soon she was working again, first at Scully’s AG Foods in Ituna and later helping Doug and Sharon Kew with school cleaning when needed.

Throughout her years of hard work, Shirley always made sure that Frank, Wade, and the girls never went without. She spent countless hours driving her children to and from their extracurricular activities, and no one ever left her table hungry. Family holidays and trips were among her greatest joys, and she cherished those times deeply.

Shirley and Frank were blessed with five grandchildren: Kaylee, Tristen, Peyton, Dryden, and Korsyn. She was known for her strong presence, radiant smile, and infectious laugh. A devoted partner to Frank, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother, Shirley poured her heart into her family.

She found joy in many hobbies, including crocheting, knitting, baking (always eager to try a new recipe), playing and watching sports—especially baseball and curling—and tending to her expansive garden. Her home was often filled with the warmth of holiday meals and family gatherings, moments she treasured most of all.

In 1999, Shirley and Frank sold the Bulka family farm and moved to Kelliher, where they made their home together. In her final year, Shirley lived in Wynyard, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

We will always carry her memory in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelliher Cemetery

Perpetual Care Fund.

Celebration Of Life

1:00 p.m.

Friday, September 26, 2025

Kelliher School Gymnasium

Kelliher, SK

For those wishing to send cards

of caring & sympathy

may send them to

The Bulka Family

P.O. Box 682

Wynyard, SK S0A 4T0

Donations in memory of Shirley

may be made to

The Kelliher Cemetery

Perpetual Care Fund