Richard Andrew Schenk

Richard Andrew Schenk, 61, of Browning, IL died on Sunday, January 19, 2024 at his home. He was born on September 22, 1963 in Rushville, IL a son of the late Richard Greer Schenk and Patricia Jane Miller Schenk. He married Kathleen Moore in 1984 and Andy and Kathy had a daughter together before amicably divorcing in 1994. He is survived by his daughter, Allison Kaye Schenk, his granddaughter, Hensley Hopps, both of Browning, IL, 2 sisters, Susan O'Neil (& Kevin) of Byron, IL, and Sarah Schenk of Chicago, IL, brother John Schenk (& Deborah Fowler) of Minneapolis, MN, and his companion dog, Dixie. He attended elementary school through high school in Rushville. Shortly after enrolling at Southern Illinois University, Andy enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1984-1995 as an Infantry Scout in Iraq during the Desert Storm conflict and later as a Master Gunnery Instructor in postings in Germany and Texas. During his service he was proud of being awarded the French Forces Commando Badge, which is given to those who complete a grueling course designed to test soldiers' physical, emotional and mental limits. He was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ and the Schuyler County American Legion Post #4. Andy was a multi-talented man who enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was on his motorcycle, on a long drive in his Audi TT, or in a canoe on the river. Wherever he was he usually had his camera with him and as a photographer he had a keen eye for detail and composition, a high level of technical proficiency, including aerial photography, all adding up to a rare ability to tell a story creatively through pictures. Andy loved music, was an avid reader, a life-long learner, a barber with a very exclusive "friends & family" clientele and most of all, a man devoted to his daughter and granddaughter. He will be remembered for his dry wit, his iconoclastic powers of observation, his patience, his creative vision, his calm demeanor and his abundant kindness. Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Schuyler County Humane Society.