Franklin Paul Shenk, 92, Quick Wit and Love of a Good Joke

He was born June 1, 1915, in Cocalico, Pa., he lived in Richland until 1999, when he moved to Ohio to be near their daughter Carol and family.

He graduated from Newmanstown High School in 1934, and was on the high school's championship baseball team that year. He attended Elizabethtown College, graduating in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

During World War II, he served with the Brethren Volunteer Service, and later taught business in Virginia. In the mid-1940s, he returned to Pennsylvania to join the family's milling business, Shenk Mills in Sheridan. He was the owner/operator of the mill until he retired in 1973.

A longtime member of the Richland Church of the Brethren, he actively supported world peace. After retirement, he also coordinated Lebanon County's congregate meal program for senior citizens. His quick wit and love of a good joke were legendary among his family and friends. During his long struggle with cancer, he was supported and comforted by many members of the family's local church, Bay Village Presbyterian.

He is survived by his daughter Carol (Paul) Gress of Bay Village, Ohio; grandchildren Dr. Sarah (Matt) Orlousky of Columbus, Ohio, and Aaron Gress of Darien, Conn.; and his brother Titus of Ephrata, Pa.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Anna Ruth (Heisey) Shenk on Sept. 9, 2005, his parents Harry K. and Elsie (nee Fahnestock) Shenk, a daughter, Rebecca Jean, in 1979, and his sister Ruth Lundquist in 1980.

Funeral Service was Tuesday at Richland Church of the Brethren, burial was in Heidelberg Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Myerstown, Pa.

The family suggests donations to Heartland Hospice, 4807 Rockside Road, Suite 100, Independence, Ohio 44131, or Heifer Project International, P.O. Box 727, Little Rock, Ark. 72203.

Local arrangements are being handled by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain.