Donald John Schanke, Manitowoc, WI, age 94 passed away at The Felician Village Gardens, Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Visitation will take place on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 9 – 11:00 a.m. at Hope Community Church 4408 County Road B, Manitowoc, WI with funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will be at Melnik Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Tuesday August 25th at 10:00 a.m.
Don, born May 28, 1932 in Neenah, WI then graduated from Lincoln High School Manitowoc, WI in 1950. Later he married Joan (Zeman) Schanke on August 6, 1955. Don drove truck and semi-truck employed by a wholesale grocer 32 years for Plumb & Nelson until 1982. Later was employed by Burger Boat (yacht builders) in shipping and receiving until his retirement in 1997.
Don took great pride in his meticulous work caring for home, lawn, orchard and gardens. He enjoyed Muskee fishing, the annual deerhunt with his son, grandsons, and nephew, golf with friend Jack and others, sight – seeing in the United States and did many church related projects at Melnik. Don served as church trustee but more terms as church elder serving his Lord in this capacity helping as needed.
Survivors include Don’s wife Joan of 71 years; daughters: Debbie (Gary) Heim of Manitowoc, WI, Donna (Ron) Bennett, Dousman, WI; and a son: Mark (Mary) Schanke, Richland, WI; Grandchildren: Matthew (Lynsey) Heim, Owatonna, MN, Andrew (Amber) Heim of Holmen, WI, Holly (Joshua) Zorn, Timnath, CO, Derrick (Natasha) Knoff, Oswego, IL, Ambree (Taylor) Plehn, Mukwonago, WI, Ashley (Nick) Filipovich, Little Bear, MN, also Paul and Sam Bennett, (Ron’s sons), James (Theresa) Franz, Janesville, WI, and Chris (Ruth) Franz, Kennewick, WA are our “extra crispies”; Great-Grandchildren: Adalyn, Kenton, and Ainsley Heim, Carter, Chloe, and Owen Heim, Zariah, Brecken Zorn, and Mason Barbree, Micah Plehn, Isaac Franz, Emma, Lucy Franz, Charlie, Griffen, and Payton Filipovich; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive
Parents Elmer A., Lydia (Erdmann) Schanke preceded him in death along with brothers Elmer, Victor, Eugene, sister Elaine, and Saundra.
Special thank you to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and Home Care Health Services, Manitowoc, WI.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Hope Community Church Manitowoc, WI.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
