Obituaries

John C. Shenk, 66

John C. Shenk, 66, of Lancaster, died December 11, 2008 at Landis Homes after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, with his family by his side. He was the husband of Nancy E. Groff  Shenk of Lancaster for 42 years.

Born in New Holland, he was the son of Adam M. Shenk and Viola H. Shenk Gochnauer. He was a graduate of Millersville University. Before his illness, he worked in banking information technology, working for Meridian Bancorp in Reading, PA as a Vice President and most recently for Vanguard, Malvern, PA.

He was a member of Lititz Moravian Church, where he sang in the choir and was a past member of the Board of Elders. John was an avid basketball fan and recreational player.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters Katie (Sevan Hadjolian) of Lancaster and Kim (Bill Johnsen) of Ridgewood, NJ; grandsons Leo and Andre Hadjolian and Eric and Owen Johnsen; a brother, Jay Shenk, of Maumee, OH; and sister, Shirley King of  New Holland and Nancy L. Shenk of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 16th  at 7 p.m. at Lititz Moravian Church, 8 Church Square, Lititz, PA, with the Rev Dean Jurgen officiating. The family will greet friends following the memorial service.  Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, South Central PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638, or Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Arrangements by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, Lititz  560-5100. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com.

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Nancy,  I wish to send my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Kirsten (Rosendal) Bishop
 

I worked with John at Meridian Bank and played basketball with him on Tuesday and Thursday mornings back then.  He was always well respected and well liked among his peers and co-workers.  He had a knack for maintaining his professionalism with that ever present smile.  I admired him for the way he played basketball at his age, his business knowledge, his easy going demeanor, his sense of humor, his love for his family, his honesty and his integrity.
Even though we haven’t seen each other in a number of years, he will be missed by all of us that knew him, because of the knowledge that the world will just not be as good a place without him.
My deepest sympathy,
Joe Gaetani

My deepest sympathies to all of John’s loved ones. I worked with John several years ago at Meridian Bank. I remember John as a kind, friendly, cheerful person and a great co-worker. It was a pleasure working with John and he will be missed by many.  Sincerely, Tim Shay

Nancy,
     My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.  I know John’s struggle was long and difficult for him, you and your family. I know you will find peace in your memories and joy in your family.
Pam Snyder (Highmark)

My name is Serena. I did not know John or your family, but it made me sad when I read his obituary, especially knowing that he died from Alzheimer’s disease at such a young age. It brought back many memories for myself. I know how devastating it is to loose someone you love to that horrible disease.  In 2006, my father, at the age of 62, died from Alzheimer’s also. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for your family. It has been very hard on my family, but I know he is in a better place where he is no longer suffering. I pray that God will give you comfort at this time.  I know we do not know each other, but if you ever need someone to talk to, who understands how it feels to loose someone to Alzheimer’s, please do not hesitate to write.
Sincerely, Serena
lexilulu@excite.com

Nancy,
My thoughts are with you and your family.
God Bless,
Jeff Stone

The Groff family of Whitefish Bay, WI, is thinking of you all today.
News of Uncle John’s passing has brought with it a flood of memories from many childhood visits with the extended family. Figuring prominently in those scenes is a warm-hearted, dry-witted man with a sly smile, a guy who was always willing–possibly eager–to shoot hoops with an energetic little boy such as myself and my brothers.
He was a blessing to be around. May these memories give you strength to cope with the loss.
Love,
Tom Groff (along with Diane, Cooper and Casey)

Nancy and her family…
My deepest condolences to you all in your loss.  You are in my thoughts at this most challenging time.  Jane Terlion (Highmark)

Nancy,
With deepest sympathy in the loss of your Husband John, Father, Father-in-law, and Grandfather also Brother to Shirley, Jay and Nancy.
May the Lord wrap his arms around you at this time of the year.  John and my brother Dan will be spending their first Christmas with the Lord!
Sincerely with Love,
Glenn & Mary Shenk  (cousin)

Hello Nancy-sorry to hear of the passing of your husband.  We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. 
Deb Miller (Highmark).

I am sorry to hear about John.  I worked at Meridian with him.  I was one of the guys who played basketball with him at 6 in the morning.  I was always amazed how he got up and down the court so well running us younger guys into the ground.  Many great memories of John.  He touched many lives in positive ways, inspiring me to stay active and keep playing now that I am the age he was at Meridian.
Steve Yeager

Dear Nancy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.  My deepest sympathy,
Candi Riggans

To John’s wife Nancy and family, and John’s siblings, ( my cousins ) I have not seen John in a long time, and really missed out on many things since living in MD, for 45 years, but have fond memories of long ago Shenk reunions. It seems that reunions come more in the death of siblings or cousins or other relatives. But we do send our sympathy and prayer for the comfort of the Father as His arms sustain you through this sad time. We just saw some of his siblings at my brother Dan’s funeral in November.
Our love , Roy and Betty (Shenk) Herr

With deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved brother, father, husband, father-in-law and grandfather.  May you be comforted by the love and caring of those around you and may happy memories be many. 
Jane Perera (Katie’s long-time friend from NY.)

I am so sorry for your loss. My name is Larry Ramsey, I worked with John at Meridian from  the time he came there from E Petersburg till Meridian closed. He and Barry Detweiler came at about the same time, and I remember interviewing John at E. Pete. When I saw his obituary in the Sunday paper it sure made me realize we are all getting older. It is hard, but John is at a better place now.
Sincerely
Larry

To Nancy Shenk and her family,
Thinking of you during this time of loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Marilyn Hieb and family

Nancy and Family;
  You have my deepest sympathy.  This disease is so devastating to such an intelligent and prosperous gentleman and his family. 
  You have always said said what a wonderful life you had together as man & wife – relish those memories and be thankful you and John did have so many happy years together.
  This disease takes away one’s dignity, but somehow you managed to give him all the help and dignity he needed.
  You and you family are in my thoughts and prayers.  May you find peace in the Lord, and I pray He gives you strength.
  Sincerely,
Eileen J. (co-worker)

Nancy & Family,
     Please accept my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband & father. My heart goes out to you. Know that he is no longer suffering and will be spending his first Christmas with our Lord. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Rose

We (your friends at Highmark) are so very sad to hear of John’s passing.  Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Clinical Client Relationship staff
Highmark Inc

I was so sorry to hear of John’s death. It is not a good time of the year for such sorrow. Somehow, each of you will work through your tears and pain through the grace of God. God bless you!

I am saddened by the loss of John. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family. I have fond memories of my school years with him – all the way from Landisville Elementary. May God rest his soul.
Sincerely,
Janet Cooper Rose

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