Joseph J. Schrank

Joseph Schrank, age 78, passed away early on Thursday, March 13, 2008. Joe was born in Milwaukee on September 27, 1930, son of the late Edward and Frances (Jamieson) Schrank. Joe grew up in Oshkosh where he attended St. Mary's Grade School and the Oshkosh High School. The family lived very near Lake Winnebago, and during his high school years, Joe learned how to sail. Sailing continued to be his greatest joy throughout life. During the time of the Korean Conflict, he attended Notre Dame University for two years, and then joined the United States Air Force. On July 25, 1953, Joe married the former Janice Kavolski at St. Malachy's Church in Horicon; the couple had fifty-four years together. During his time in the Air Force, he reached the rank of First Lieutenant and spent a year in French Morocco as an observer with the 375th Early Warning Squadron. Upon the completion of his overseas duty, he spent another year in Havre, Montana as an aircraft observer. After his service years, he received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. During his university years, Joe was a member of the Air National Guard in Madison. Joe was always very proud of his military service, both in the Air Force and the Air National Guard.

For many years, Joe had worked at Wisconsin-Michigan Power Company, now WeEnergies as a division manager in the gas division. He retired in 1988 after twenty-nine years of employment. Joe was proud to have been asked to write a history of the gas company, a project he enjoyed immensely. Joe was a former member of the Downtown Rotary Club, the Gold K Kiwanis Club, and Neenah Nod-a-way Yacht Club.

Joe is survived by his wife: Janice Ann Schrank of Appleton; two daughters: Ann (Lahcen) Oubaha of Lakeland, Minnesota and March Schrank of Redding, California; two sons: Andrew (Kim) Schrank of Sheboygan and Charles (Stephanie) Schrank of Wilmette, Illinois; five grandchildren: Brandon, Courtney, Mitchell, Aceif, and Sophie: and a sister: Barbara Dreyer of Lakemoor, Illinois.

The funeral liturgy for Joe will be held on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church (312 South State Street) with Father Michael K. O'Rourke officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Joe will always be remembered as a kind and generous husband and father who cared deeply for his family.