Jean D. Shank, a longtime Antigo resident died peacefully Sunday, December 6, 2020, at St. Mary's Care Center in Madison. She was 96 years old. She was born on June 23, 1924, in Antigo, a daughter of Leo and Helen (Skalecki) Theisen. She married Eugene Shank on June 14, 1952, at St. John Catholic Church in Antigo. He survives and lives at St. Mary's Care Center.

She attended Neff Switch Graded School, graduated from Antigo High School in 1941, and attended the Vocational School in Antigo.

Mrs. Shank was employed by the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago, the Vulcan Corporation in Michigan, and locally by Braun and Preboski Accountants, LaHam Insurance Agency, Amron Corporation, Land O' Lakes Bus Company and the Shopper's Guide.

She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, the Family Polka Band and the Cosmopolitan Orchestra.

She enjoyed music, dancing, cooking, baking, working in Christmas trees, cutting boughs and traveling.

Survivors including her husband are a daughter, Karen (Jerry) Mendl, Middleton; a grandson, Nathan Mendl; and two sisters-in-law, Adeline Kieper of Antigo and Phillis (Tom) Hunchusky of East Peoria, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by three sisters and brothers-in-law, Grace (John) Murphy, Lorraine (Leo) Blemke and Eunice (Stan) Gehrke.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 10 at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at church in Hoffmann Hall. Masks and social distancing are required.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by the staff of St. Mary's Care Center to both Jean and Gene over the past five years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vilas Neighborhood, St. Mary's Care Center, 3401 Maple Grove Drive, Madison, WI 53719.

Services