Born: September 9, 1926 - Deceased: 20190310
John “Chet” C. Shank, 92, of Greenville, Illinois, born Thursday, September 9, 1926, in Robinson, IL, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019 at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, Illinois.
Chet graduated from Greenville High School in May 1944 and joined the Merchant Marines and served there until October 1944 when he joined the U.S. Army serving in the WWII effort and then in the Korean Occupation, being Honorably Discharged at the Rank of S/SGT on January 9, 1947. He then attended Rubican Business College in St. Louis, Missouri and then was hired by Pet Milk Company/C.A. “Butch” Schultz in accounts payable and payroll in Greenville. In 1954 he began as a representative for Mobil Oil Company as their bulk fuels and oil distributor, later adding a crop spraying service along with Joe Bohle. In 1971 he founded Shank Real Estate & Auction Company operating that company until his retirement in 1997.
Along the way, Chet served as Central Township Supervisor and Trustee for several decades. In addition, he was the original fundraiser for the Bond County Senior Citizen’s first home at 305 South Third Street, also serving for several years at the Southwestern Illinois Area Agency on the Aging Board as Bond County Representative, along with his friend Frances Fansler.
Lastly, but foremost, he did everything he possibly could for the First Christian Church in Greenville, beginning as the Congregational Song Leader in the 1950’s for over 40 years, with some of that time being an Elder and Choir Director for the church.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife: Marjorie M., nee Iberg, Shank
- Parents: Ernest Ray and Dessie M., nee Rigall, Shank
- 3 Brothers
- Robert Shank
- Karl Shank
- William Shank
- Sister: Nora “Marie” Jenkins
Surviving are his:
- 2 Sons
- Steve (Georgia) Shank of Greenville, IL
- Tom (Cathy) Shank of Collinsville, IL
- 4 Grandchildren
- Chloe Shank of Greenville, IL
- Clayton Puricelli (Finacee Jessica Kite) of Bloomington, IL
- and Jessica’s daughter Alana
- Jessica (Brett) Thornton of Collinsville, IL
- Claudia Puricelli of Collinsville, IL.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Bond County Senior Center, Greenville Nursing Rehabilitation Center – Activity Dept., or the American Farm Heritage Museum.
Visitation: Visitation from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Friday, March 15, 2019 at First Christian Church, 1100 Killarney Dr., Greenville, IL 62246
Funeral: Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 Noon, Friday, March 15, 2019 at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Greenville, IL with Military Honors.
9 Comments
Tom, so sorry for your loss, It sounds like your dad was a wonderful person. We will be keeping you and your family in prayer. Praise God that even in your time of sorrow you know that he now is rejoicing in the presence of our Lord and savior.
Steve and Tom,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I enjoyed every time I got to speak with him in my youth and when I bought my first house in GV.
To the family: JC was like a father to me, when I worked for him he treated me like a son. He will be missed
by everyone he touched.. So sorry for your loss. We will meet again in HEAVEN..
Georgia, Steve and family please know you are in my prayers and have my deepest condolences. Steve, I enjoyed visiting your Dad, and I know he will be missed by all. He is now in a place where there is no more death, there is no more pain, no more crying….
Pastor Flo
To the Family of Mr Shank, u are in my thoughts and prayers. He was a awesome man. Always had a smile ? Anita (Coyle) Thomas
Steve and Tom,
Your Dad was a very honorable and friendly to all man. I looked up to him as one of my Heroes in
life. I will never forget his auctions, he made them fun. My Grandpa (Walter Hammer) worked at Pet, and he always thought your Dad hung the moon. So sorry for your loss.
David: I just noted your tribute. My father worked at Pet, and had just received his 20 year pin shortly before his sudden passing in 1963. It was WALTER HAMMER who was at our house the next morning with condolences and explaining all the death benefits associated with Pet. I was 13 at the time, and remember your grandfather vividly. I also have a picture on my Facebook of Dad and me at 70th Pet Anniversary in 1955. Ron Bimes
Sincere sympathy to the Family. After my stepfather’s-Albert Erdel-passing in 1992, the heirs decided to hire Chet for the farm real estate listing and farm personal property auction. We were so happy with him—such a gentleman. Also, I thank Chet for his military service to our Country.
Steve, Tom and Families
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Chet. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.