John Schunk

Verona- John Schunk, 81, cherished husband, dad, grandpa, father-in-law, and friend, rejoined his beloved on Friday, November 9, 2012, surrounded by his devoted family. He was born on June 21, 1931 in Menomonee Falls, WI, a son of the late Rolland Owen Schunk and Lorraine (Goggin) Schunk. He graduated from Menomonee Falls High School and attended UW Madison before enlisting in the Navy. He proudly served on aircraft carriers from 1951 to 1955, during the Korean Conflict, and traveled around the world. On December 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to his dear Nancy Joy (Kelpin), in Milwaukee, WI. They shared 55 years during which time they were dedicated to each other, their family and communities. They made their home together in Cross Plains, WI, a community where they developed dear friendships. After John became employed at the Bank of Verona in 1970, they created their cherished home in the woods where they spent their next 41 years and made many more lasting, precious friendships. John was involved in the banking business for many years in Madison and Verona. He enjoyed building and operating sound bank businesses, but it was the people he worked with and customers they all worked for that delighted him. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Zor Shrine and believed deeply in their good works. He enjoyed fishing, canoeing, hunting, making firewood, cross country skiing, attending grandchildren’s activities, making ice cream, pancake breakfasts and other activities that brought him close to his family and the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories are the trips he and Nancy took abroad and around the U.S. He loved flying his Cessna 182 and the camaraderie of fellow pilots. He had an ever present sense of humor and a knack for pulling off practical jokes, large and small. John is survived by his daughter, Sally Ann (Jim) Meier of Waunakee, and their daughters Kate (fiancé Dan Bolintineanu) of Albuquerque, NM, and Emily of Madison, WI; a son, Steven Rolland (Kim Johnson) and their sons, Rolland and Daniel of Cross Plains. He is further survived by his brother Luke (DeLoris) Schunk and sister Dorothy DiFrancis, many nieces and nephews, and his buddy Huckleberry. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. As per John’s wishes, a private gathering will be held to reflect on his life at a later date. The family extends a warm and heartfelt thanks to the Agrace HospiceCare staff and volunteers involved in Dad’s care, and his dear friends and neighbors. The family welcomes memorials to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc., Zor Shrine, or a charity of your choice. High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . . Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. — John Gillespie Magee, Jr As per John’s wishes, a private gathering will be held to reflect on his life at a later date.