Submitted by: Dan Rich

Alice G. Shank

Feb. 18, 1929 - April 6, 2008

South Bend Tribune 4/8/2008
SOUTH BEND - Alice G. Shank, 79, passed away Sunday morning in the Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center, South Bend. She had resided there since 1999 after suffering a devastating stroke. Alice was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 18, 1929. She was the oldest child of Frederick and Olufa "Lu" Jensen, who have preceded her in death. Her sister, Mary, and brother Richard, twins, preceded her in death also. Alice is survived by daughters, Christine Shanks and Cheryl Kohnke of South Bend; grandson, Erik Richmond; and great-granddaughter, Autumn.

She was married to Robert F. Shank on October 15, 1949, who passed away on April 17, 2004. They resided in Edwardsburg, Michigan, for several years before moving to Mishawaka in 1980. Alice's brother Dick introduced her to Robert and they were married seven months later. Mom said after that first date that she knew they would be married. Alice did not know a stranger and would happily bend your ear to discuss anything you wished. She was quick-witted with a great sense of humor. She played bridge for years with her beloved Edwardsburg friends, and bridge night at our house was one of laughter and a lot of happy noise. She loved to travel or just get out and go anywhere. We used to tease her that was like the dog - all we had to say was "go" and she was at the door, never asking where she was headed. She was a good sport and up for just about anything. On a trip to Disney World not that many years ago she was first in line to take a spin on Space Mountain, almost losing her eyeglasses on take-off but sitting like the Red Baron at the front of the car, having the time of her life. She loved to read. Her handwork was wonderful, from knitting and crocheting to embroidery. Every evening you would find her with yarn and some kind of hook or needle in her hands. She home-canned the best tomato juice in the world and we fought over her jams and jellies. She was a full-time homemaker and mother, and nothing felt better than returning home from school in the afternoon to find her there and unload all of the day's excitement or grief. She had a good ear and gave even better advice and counsel. She was the strength of the family, holding herself strong for the rest of us even as we became adults, holding us up when we might have fallen. Godspeed dear Mother, say hi to Dad for us and keep us close. We will miss you always and forever.

Services celebrating the life of Alice Shank will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Rev. Ed Erskin will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. today in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Shank may be made to the St. Joseph County Humane Society, 2506 North Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.