Russell Schenke

Russell Charles Schenke, age 78, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2003 at Park View Care Center.

Russell was born December 18, 1924 in Lodi, WI, a son to Otto and Charity (Helgesen) Schenke. He graduated from Waupun High School in 1943 and served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. He then attended college in Beloit and Oshkosh. On November 14, 1953 he married Joyce Van Alstine. Russell owned and operated the Ripon Variety Store from 1956-1979. He then owned and operated Schenke Printing, Ripon until his retirement in 1986. Russell was involved in many organizations including; member and past treasurer of Immanuel United Methodist church, Ripon, past Master of the Lodge of the Ripon-Green Lake-Markesan Masonic Lodge F&AM #95 and area administrator for five lodges, Scout Master for 13 years, earning the Silver Beaver Award, Scouters Award, Wood Badge Award, and Brotherhood Order of Arrow, past president of Ripon Kiwanis, past president of Ripon Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Retail Division Chamber of Commerce, co-chairman of Friends of Liberty, and a member of V.F.W. Schultz-Klemp-Wentland Post #5278.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce of Ripon; one son, Scott (Connie) Schenke and their children, Laura and Matt of Hales Corners, WI; a brother, Larry (Phyllis) Schenke of Charleston, IL; and one niece, Pam of Charleston, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2003 from 4:30 - 7:00 pm with a Masonic Service at 7:00 pm at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon. Services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 4, 2003 at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon, with Rev. David A. Busker officiating. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel United Methodist Church.