Warren G Shenk, formerly of Mt. Joy, entered into rest at Landis Homes on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, one day short of 86 years after entering this world, minutes ahead of his sister. He was the son of the late Henry E. and Margaret Groff Shenk.
He was a graduate of Lancaster Mennonite High School and did a term of voluntary service in Tampa, FL.
On February 4, 1953, Warren married Arlene Stoner Ebersole and together they started farming potatoes, tomatoes and beef cattle near Mt. Joy. He enjoyed giving neighborhood children the opportunity to earn money by picking potatoes and the joy of hard work.
Joining their family in subsequent years were James W. (Donna Mack), Lititz; Marilyn (Paul) Charles, Lititz; Ann Marie, Kennett Square; and J. Elvin (Jonelle Gingrich), Lancaster. When his children started school, Warren began driving school bus for Kraybill Mennonite School. This became a passionate part-time job. He enjoyed the interaction with the children and was proud of his 47 years of accident-free driving. He was Grand Champion in bus driving competitions for Lancaster-Lebanon and for the State of Pennsylvania.
Warren was a life-long member of Erisman Mennonite Church where he served as Sunday School superintendent and janitor. In his retirement years he spent many hours as a woodworker crafting school buses and marble rollers for several benefit auctions. He also built blue bird houses and pollinator bee boxes for placement in the wetlands at Landis Homes.
Warren took great pleasure in his seven grandchildren: Charity Shenk (Steve Zook), Michelle (Anthony) Esh, Justin Shenk (Valerie Showalter), Twila (Scott) Bauman, Andre Shenk (Yovana Bontrager), Jordan (Holly) Shenk, and Austin Shenk; thirteen great grandchildren and siblings Helen (Lewis) Good, Norman (Jean) Shenk, Henry (Irene) Shenk, and Harold (Mary Grace) Shenk.
Friends are invited for visitation Friday, November 10th from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm and Saturday, November 11th from 1:30 pm until the 2:30 pm memorial service – all held in West Bethany Chapel, Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz. Officiating will be Chaplain Donna Mack Shenk and Pastor Karl McKinney. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made in Warren’s memory for Kraybill Campus scholarships to: Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602.