William Gene Shenk

Traverse City - William Gene Shenk, 93, of Traverse City and formerly of Detroit, MI, passed away peacefully at Cherry Hill Haven in Traverse City, Wednesday, February 6, 2019, surrounded by family.

Bill was born on Friday, March 13, 1925 to the late William and Jean (Beard) Shenk in Detroit. He attended school there and following high school attended Wayne State University. Bill enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1946 and became Radio Operator Transport Command in World War II, flying in a C-47.

Upon returning from the service, he met his future wife, the former Marilyn Helen Myers and on August 12, 1950, they married at a ceremony in Detroit. They had been married for 65 years before Marilyn passed away on April 19, 2016.

After retiring as President of Don Blackburn and Company, where he had been employed for 38 years, Bill and Marilyn retired to Green Lake In Interlochen, where their once log cabin cottage grew to be their retirement home. Bill was a great leader and was well respected by his colleagues. He taught Dale Carnegie Courses and beginning in his 20's, he developed a passion for HAM radio and was a member of the Cherryland Amateur Radio Club - W8PIT. To pursue an interest in flying, he joined T.R.A.M.P.S. , flying radio controlled planes and helicopters. Bill was a member of First Congregational Church. He and Marilyn enjoyed traveling all over the world, visiting many continents and countries, enjoying all the world had to offer. His love of sailing included his own sailboat and many sailing trips to the Caribbean with Marilyn and friends. He was an avid history buff of WW II, reading many books and watching many documentaries as well as being an all-round "fix it" person, which included working on antique clocks and keeping his yard in immaculate condition. Bill will always be remembered, however, for his undying love for his family and his commitment to being with them as much as possible.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Bill) Lusk of Mesick, Nancy Rocheleau of Livonia and Suzanne (Denny) Roberts of Interlochen; his grandchildren, Nicole Scanga, Justin (Ashley) Rocheleau, Julie (Bryan) Gordon Cox and Brittany Roberts. Also surviving are his great grandchildren Nicolino Scanga and Amelia Rocheleau. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and sisters Suzanne Krabach and Betty Spaulding.

Visitation for Bill will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with the service of remembrance beginning at 12 noon. The Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate. For those desiring, monetary contributions to honor Bill's memory may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy., Suite 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.