Linus Schenk

Linus John Schenk, 90, of Evansville, IN passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at Heritage Health Care surrounded by his loving children. Dad was the center of our lives for the last eleven years, now he’s at peace and dancing again with our mom. He will be greatly missed by his family. He was born May 10, 1919 to John & Lena Schenk. Linus cared about his family immensely. He enjoyed taking care of his house and lake, dancing, and making things with his hands. The family enjoyed many great times at the lake that he built for his children to enjoy, and the shelter house he built with his own hands. In his younger days, he played the mandolin in a band around the Westside of Evansville. He was very proud to have served in the United States Army during World War II for four years. During his time in the service, he traveled through England, Germany and France. Before joining the service he met the love of his life, his wife Helen, on a blind date. They were married for 48 years. Helen preceded him in death 16 years ago on August 15, 1993. He was also preceded in death by his parents, John G. and Lena (Wolf) Schenk; an infant son, Randy Ray, in 1960; brothers, Roman, Hermann, Joseph and William; granddaughter, Kirsten Mitchell; and brother-in-law, Thomas Kormelink. He was one of the founding charter members of Resurrection Catholic Church. He served on the church’s parish council for eight years and was very supportive in having Resurrection’s grade school built in 1960’s. During his active years of his life he belonged to several clubs and is a VFW Post 1114 lifetime member. Linus is survived by his daughters and son-in laws, Donna Mitchell (Tim); Joyce Messersmith (Ron); Sharon Muensterman (Steve); Kathy Schenk (Daniel Lee); son, Daniel Charles Schenk, all of Evansville, sister, Marylean Kormelink; grandchildren, Bryce Mitchell, Kurt Messersmith, Kelly Salee, Kyle Messersmith, all of Evansville; Chad Schenk, from Covington, KY; and Ryan Schenk from Indianapolis, IN; three great grandsons, Braden Mitchell; Colton Salee, and baby Evan Messersmith; and two step-great granddaughters, Lauren Harrison and Jada Paul. The family would like to give special thanks to the nursing staff at Heritage Health Care and especially to Heritage Hospice staff for their loving care not only to our dad but to the family as well. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 14, at Resurrection Catholic Church, Rev. Phil Kreilein officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, where there will be military rites. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service held at 4:00 p.m. Friends may also visit with the family from 9:30 A.M. until service time on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Resurrection Catholic Church Renovation Fund.

Linus Schenk

May 10, 1919 - November 10, 2009