Charles F. Schanke

1931 - 2021

BORN

1931

DIED

2021

Charles Schanke Obituary

Charles F Schanke
May 2, 1931 - May 22, 2021
Chula Vista
Chuck passed away peacefully on the morning of May 22, 2021. He is survived by his wife Shirley, the love of his life, his two children and 2 grandsons and one great-granddaughter.Charles Fredrick Schanke was born in West Bend Wisconsin. As a youth he remembered the great depression, the unemployment and the civilian conservation core. During WWII, he collected scrap iron, turned in empty tooth paste tubes, tin cans and grease drippings used for making explosives. He would purchase ten and twenty-five cent war saving stamps. Bubble gum, marshmallows and chocolate bars were very scarce. He handed out chocolate bars and treats to troop trains that stopped in his home town of Wahpeton, North Dakota. He attended high school in Kendall Wisconsin where he met Shirley, his high school sweetheart and wife. Chuck served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955. He was a Dental Lab Technician at Camp Pendleton. This is where he fell in love with California and San Diego. He returned to Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 1958 with a degree in education. He was employed as a teacher and administrator in the Sweetwater Union High School District. He touched the lives of many students while at Hilltop and Bonita Vista high schools. His endless hours as the ASB advisory at Bonita earned him the nickname of "Mr. Baron." His family was his greatest joy. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by them. He was an avid sports fan; he loved the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs, but the Green Bay Packers were always his favorite.Chuck took lots of pride in his home and garden and loved the 4th of July.

His foundational principles in life were honesty and integrity along with a great sense of humor. Chuck's phrase was "Keep Smiling."

Chuck, Dad, Papa, we all love you and will keep smiling for you!Private services were help at Miramar National Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the Parkview Hospice Home, San Diego Sharp Hospice Care. www.sharp.com.hospice

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jul. 15, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Schanke

4 Entries

Steve Slamon

July 19, 2021

Mr. Schanke was such a positive influence on all of our lives! From the first day I met him in 1966 at the initial organizing meeting for the Bonita Vista ASB, until the last time I spoke on the phone with him in 2019, I always felt his sincere caring for me and a friendship that lasted for over 50 years. When he was named Mr. Baron by our class in our yearbook in 1969, no one could have imagined a more perfect person for the title. His smiling exultation of "Hello sunshine" or "how are you doing tiger" lifted our hearts every time he greeted us. His advice was always wanted and was always positive. To his family, may God Bless you all and may God comfort you at this difficult time. For his former students and friends, I can say that I/we am/are better persons for having known Chuck Schanke! May God Bless you. Rest in Peace my friend.

Chuck and Gail Conners

July 18, 2021

Chuck and I were cousins born two weeks apart. We were more like brothers joined by an older cousin Giles. We played together from dawn to dusk and enjoyed a competition at our grandparents´ Kendall store. Who could finish their ice cream and donut first. I was the skinny little guy who usually lost the race. We were both athlete. Because of my protracted illness, osteomyelitis, and hospitalization our families were separated. We moved away and saw each other on family holidays.
We were delighted to renew our comradeship in San Diego many years later. We were so proud to attend Chuck´s retirement celebration from his teaching career and learn how popular he was by his colleagues and friends. We visited with Chuck and his beloved wife Shirley often. When we visited their beautiful home, the first thing Chuck would do was get out current pictures of his grandchildren. He was so proud of their accomplishments. His loss is felt deeply by us, but we are so grateful for the times we shared together.

Delmar Joyce

July 18, 2021

It was a privilege to know Mr. Schanke in high school. Years later I became friends with his children and was pleased to discover that his qualities extended to them also. A beautiful family.

David Ybarra

July 16, 2021

Dick, my sympathies and condolences to you, your mom, and family on the passing of your Dad. He was always positive and welcoming to me when I would run in to him. It was always great talking with him.
Regards,
David Ybarra

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