Robert L. Shank Sr.

1934 - 2024

Robert L. Shank Sr.

5/27/1934 - 11/9/2024

Robert L. Shank Sr., 90, of Perrysburg, Ohio, died peacefully at home, on Saturday, November 9th, 2024. He was a generous, dedicated, hard-working, and determined man. For Bob, funeral service was a life-long calling. He spent over 60 years serving the families of Northwest Ohio, retiring at the age of 85.

Bob was born on May 27th, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, to Cuthbert (Sandy) Shank and Ruby (Meier) Shank. He graduated from Libbey High School in 1952. After working with his parents in his father's grocery store, he pursued a career in funeral service, and graduated from Cincinnati College of Embalming, in 1956. In 1960, Bob married his bride, Clara (Mercer) Shank, after being set up by Bob's father, Sandy. They had 3 children together. In 1964, Bob and Clara were given the opportunity to purchase Witzler Funeral Home, which had been serving the Perrysburg community since 1859. This humble beginning led to a successful career in funeral service, with the ownership of several funeral homes and cemeteries. He was known for his commitment and dedication to serving the families of Perrysburg and its surrounding towns. His service to the profession included involvement in both state and national governance. In 1980, Bob was elected President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. A decade later in 1990, he was elected President of the National Funeral Directors Association. One of his greatest honors was being sent to 9/11 in New York City to assist recovery efforts.

Bob served his country in the Army Reserves, and devoted much time and attention to his community. Since 1964, he was a member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, Ohio, where he served on several committees. Bob also served as a member of the Perrysburg Board of Education, and St. Luke's Hospital Board, in Maumee.

Bob loved spending time on Lake Erie, fishing for perch and walleye. For more than a decade, he took annual trips to Alaska to fish for salmon and halibut. He enjoyed traveling with his family, and was known for his generosity.

Surviving are his children, Tamara Shank Harden, Karen Shank Sliter (David), and Robert L. Shank Jr. (Tonya); grandchildren, Morgan M. Shank, Robert L. Shank III, Katrina L. Sliter, Jessica J. Sliter, Jacqueline M. Sliter, and Stephanie K. Sliter; nieces and nephew, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; wife, Clara (Mercer) Shank; son-in-law, Robert E. Harden Jr.; and many dear friends.

Friends will be received at the Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio (419-863-3735), from 3-8 p.m., Tuesday, November 12th, 2024. Funeral services will be led by Pastor Paul Reichert, on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 East Indiana Avenue, Perrysburg, where visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Fort Meigs Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be sent to Zoar Lutheran Church, or Wood County Humane Society. Condolences may be made online to the family at

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