Obituaries

Henry G. Shenk, 90

July 30, 2024

Henry G. Shenk, 90, of Lititz, PA, died on July 30, 2024, at Landis Homes. Born at home in Lititz, he was the son of the late Henry Erb and Margaret Elsie Groff Shenk. Henry was married for 67 years to Irene G. Leaman Shenk, and they farmed together near Mt. Joy. In his early 20s, he did 1-W conscientious objector service at the Northern Tier Children’s Home in northern Pennsylvania, and at the Newcomb Hospital in Vineland, New Jersey. Later, in addition to farming, Henry worked several years at Sperry New Holland in Mountville, and drove school bus for 28 years for Manheim Christian Day School and Manheim Central School District. Henry served as deacon for 25 years at Erisman Mennonite Church (now Crossings Community Church), where he was a longtime member. He also valued education, serving on the boards of Manheim Christian Day School and Lancaster Mennonite High School. He provided many hayrides and visited with guests at their Bed & Breakfast over the years. In his retirement years, he worked and volunteered at the Mt. Joy Gift & Thrift store, and regularly reported on the store’s weekly funds raised in support of the work of Mennonite Central Committee. He was known for his sense of humor, and loved to share witty one-liners and a laugh with anyone who happened to be nearby. He also enjoyed music, reading, roses, poetry, and traveling.

Surviving are five children, Henry L. Shenk (Kayoko), David Shenk (Kelly), Mervin Shenk (Angela), Carol Bornman (Jonathan), Elaine Shenk (Ken Beidler), thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three siblings, Helen Good (Lewis), Norman Shenk, and Harold Shenk (Mary Grace). Preceding him in death was a brother, Warren Shenk, and a beloved granddaughter, Harmony Seiko Shenk.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Henry’s Celebration of Life at Landis Homes Retirement Community (WEST BETHANY CHAPEL), 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Visitation with the family will be held after in the Westview Community Room from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Inurnment will be private at Erisman Mennonite Cemetery. Contributions in Henry’s memory can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, at https://donate.mcc.org/.

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Condolences to the Family

September 03, 2024

Elaine, I never met your dad, but I love witty one-liners and I respect the bravery of conscientious objectors. Iwould have enjoyed his company. Hugs, Sherri

September 01, 2024

Dear Irene and family,
My daughter, Sharon, sent me notice of Henry’s passing. I will not be able to attend the service on Saturday because my oldest grandson is getting married then. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust to this loss in your family/heaven’s gain. God is faithful with His Spirit attending to our needs and supporting us with His comfort. Continue leaning on HIM!
In deepest sympathy,
Martha Buckwalter

August 29, 2024

Hello Paul,
Dad’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 7 at West Bethany Chapel.
1:30 Pre-service music
2:00 Celebration of life
3:30 Visitation and refreshments

Carol Bornman

August 10, 2024

We will miss Henry. Would you kindly let us know when his homegoing celebration will take place and where?
PAUL BUCKWALTER

August 03, 2024

I didn’t know Henry, just his compassionate and accomplished daughter, Elaine, and her beautiful family. Reading this obituary I recognize his sense of humor and love of music being shared with the next generation as well as a home of hospitality and strong faith. I remember learning from Elaine (about 30 years ago when I met her) that grocery store celery in the winter in Indiana was nothing to compare with what her family grew and have since made a habit of enjoying it in Lancaster County when we visit. I’ll remember all of you in prayer during this season of grief. May God’s faithful love comfort and uphold you, so that you can also sing songs of hope and peace when you gather to remember Henry’s life.

August 01, 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shenk family as you mourn Henry’s passing and prepare to celebrate his life. We never had the pleasure of meeting him personally, but clearly his kindness and generosity live on in his children and grandchildren.
Heather Hennes

July 31, 2024

I fondly remember the family farm as a favorite place for Christmas. The barn, corn crib, tractors, equipment, cousin creativity, and the security and trust of a loving extended family. Uncle Henry and your entire family were generous, kind, understanding and always quick to make your home a place of welcome and opportunity to play and have fun. I imagine Henry now living again in the freedom and joy of childhood. As you grieve the loss of his wonderful personality and unconditional love on earth. . .may his life and living spirit keep inspiring us. My thoughts and prayers for strength and special memories to hold onto are with you. May the peace of Christ be constantly hugging you.
Paul Leaman

July 31, 2024

Gerald Shenk here: Uncle Henry was my first employer. I learned a lot on his farm. Warmly remembering his strength, persistence, resilience, hearty laughter, ready smile, kindly demeanor and genuine compassion befitting the deacon’s role he served in for decades. Together with Aunt Irene, he cultivated a ministry of hospitality. Some very colorful characters came and went as part of the farm family!

July 31, 2024

Uncle Henry was a kind and gentle man. He will be missed deeply.

Visitation: Saturday, September 07, 2024; 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM; Landis Homes Retirement Community (WESTVIEW COMMUNITY ROOM); 1001 East Oregon Road; Lititz, PA
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Services: Saturday, September 07, 2024; 2:00 PM; Landis Homes Retirement Community (WEST BETHANY CHAPEL); 1001 East Oregon Road; Lititz, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >