Bernard J. "Bernie" Schenk

"Bernie" Bernard J. Schenk, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on February 10, 2026. Born on March 6, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Bernard A. & Eleanore (Mielke) Schenk, Bernie lived a full and vibrant life that touched many.

Bernie was a proud graduate of Detroit Lutheran High School. Following his education, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy before embarking on a fulfilling career in the newspaper industry. He completed a three-year apprenticeship as a typesetter at the Detroit News and continued to work in the field, transitioning from Linotype setting to computer compositing. He was a union rep for printers local 18 as an apprentice and ultimately became union president of CWA local 18 and held that position even after retirement until 2005. Bernie's dedication to his craft led him to a successful career that spanned several decades, retiring from the Macomb Daily Newspaper in 2003.

After retirement, Bernie's work ethic remained unwavering. He moved to Oscoda and took a position with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, where he worked from 2005 to 2024 at the East Tawas State Harbor and the AuSable River Boat Launch. His commitment to community service was evident through his active involvement with numerous organizations, including Rotary International, Iosco Democratic Party, Compassionate Friends of Oscoda, NABC, Mac computer club in Saginaw, Save the South Channel Lights, the Oscoda United Methodist Church, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Northeast Michigan Veterans Memorial Park, the Oscoda Twp planning commission, and Supervisory Committee for Northland Area Credit Union.

Bernie's passion for life was infectious. He loved boating from the tender age of 17, a hobby that grew into his greatest passion. He was also an avid photographer, a talented trumpet player, and a constant volunteer. Bernie's energy was boundless, as he was always involved in food giveaways, FISH, Rotary Club events, and fundraisers for various causes. He was a mentor to children at the Richardson Elementary School in Oscoda, where his guidance and friendship were invaluable.

Bernie's friendly, loving, and passionate nature made him a beacon of light in lives of those who knew him. He was a man who never stayed still, always finding ways to contribute and make a difference.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Adams Schenk, whom he married on October 7, 1995, in Harrison Twp., Michigan. Bernie's legacy continues through his children, Captain Bernie R. Schenk (Beth) and Victoria Sharon Schenk, also their mother, Sharon Elise Robert. His stepchildren, Wendy L. (Larry) Raskin, Leslie B. (Tom) Gray, and Steven R. (Marina) Gray, also hold dear memories of Bernie. His grandchildren, Evan David Schenk, Robert Anthony Childs, Matthew Evan Childs, Joseph Spadafore, Samantha Spadafore, Trevor Raskin, Adam Raskin, Caden Raskin, Chase Raskin, and Aiden Gray and great grandchildren Benjamin Spadafore, Elijah Raskin and Fowler Raskin will miss their grandfather's warmth and wisdom.

Bernie was preceded in death by his daughter, Elise Deborah Schenk, whose memory he held close to his heart.

Bernie's life was a testament to the power of hard work, love, and community service. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. "Who else do you know that worked until 89 years old?"

Memorial service will be held Saturday February 21, 2026, from the Oscoda United Methodist Church 120 W. Dwight St. Oscoda, Michigan 48750.

Visitation is at 12 noon, Service at 1pm In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Oscoda United Methodist Church in Bernie's memory.

Per Bernie's wishes cremation has taken place, arraignments have been entrusted to Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home Standish.