SCHENK, Justus George

Justus George Schenk Justus George Schenk was born July 23, 1907 to John and Lena Schenk at their ranch home north of Johnstown, Nebraska and lived his entire life there. He passed away following a lingering illness April 15, 1991 at the Rock County Hospital at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 23 days. Justus was preceded in death by his father, John Adolph Schenk; mother Lena (Stahl) Schenk; two sisters, Lena Picard and Minna Rosa Schenk; and an infant brother. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Helen, of Johnstown; daughter Deanna Reyman of Wood Lake; son Marvin Schenk of Ainsworth; and daughter Shirley Schnakenberg of Tucson, Arizona; five grandchildren; sisters, Emma Tucker, Dannebrog; Elizabeth Ross, Bancroft; and Bertha Reinert of Johnstown; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. He attended grade school at Rural School District #84 North, and high school at Johnstown, NE. On March 10, 1937 he was united in marriage to Helen Foster at Ainsworth, NE. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Deanna Ruth, Marvin Wayne, and Shirley Annette. As a young man, Justus was a member of the Grand Prairie Baseball Team. Beginning in the early 50’s, he joined many of his cowboy friends at the Johnstown Roping Club for hours of fellowship in the sport of rodeo. He served 20 years on the Rodeo Committee of the Brown County Fair Board. He enjoyed observing and reminiscing about the progress of the fair and rodeo through the years. His love of the outdoors was expressed by the many hours spent with his livestock and coyote hunting with his greyhounds. In his later years, he enjoyed visiting with his friends and treasured the company of his grandchildren. Justus and Helen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Ainsworth Elks Lodge in March 1987. Justus will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, April 18, 1991 at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Interment was in the Ainsworth Cemetery. The Rev. Howard Dixon officiated the services. Music was furnished by Lavonne Williams and Marilyn Williams and Les Graff. Active casket bearers were Bill Graff, Paul Hermsmeyer, Jim White, Loren Appleman, Dan Daniels and Larry Zeigler. Honorary casket bearers were Ralph Keim, Ray Keim, Luther Eggers, Albert Wasson, Harold Schelm, Dave Greder, Allan Boyd, Bernard Schelm, Oren Jackman, Frank Weander, Jr., Earl Clark and Marvin Lake. Memorials were given to the Brown County Agricultural Society or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were under the direction of Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth.