Marvin C. Schenk

Marvin Clarence Schenk, 95, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, Edwardsburg, Michigan and Fort Pierce, Florida, went to be with his Lord on Dec. 13, 2021 while residing in Murfreesboro, TN.

One of 7 children, Marvin was born in 1926 in Elkhart to Clarence and Leona (Higley) Schenk. He was preceded by three sisters, and followed by three brothers; they were a wondrously boisterous family.

He attended Elkhart High School where he loved math and sports. At age 17, he enlisted in the US Navy to fight in World War II. He was assigned to the USS Tucson in the Pacific fleet under Vice Admiral J. McCain, participating in decoy missions and the eventual surrender of Japan.

Returning home, he married Juanita J. Simbulan in Elkhart in 1947. Purchasing Juanita’s family home in Edwardsburg, they raised 4 children there.

In 1948, Marvin joined NIPSCO as a gas serviceman and retired in 1986. It was a skilled job he loved. Handy of necessity but also inclination, Marvin could repair, renovate and build anything at his home, soup to nuts. No task was too daunting. He constructed, by himself, a charming 2 story pool house, pool and fence, fondly labeled Fort Schenk by the neighborhood.

Marvin was a gifted natural athlete, playing basketball and football in high school. Later, he and brother Ray were a pitcher-catcher combo wellrespected in Elkhart’s fast pitch softball leagues. He also excelled at bowling, ping-pong, and golf, golfing well into his 80’s with a superb putting stroke. He rode his bicycle into his 90’s. Very competitive, he played hard and was a merciless winner. He modeled physical fitness and healthy eating habits and set the example for his children to be very active. He was always ready to choose up sides for a game or lead a run around the property.

Marvin gave his life to Jesus Christ while in the Navy. He served in many capacities and ministries at Mason Baptist Church in Mason Township, MI and later at Westside Baptist Church in Ft. Pierce, FL. Blessed with a clear strong singing voice, he was Sunday School Superintendent and song leader; he and his brother Ray often sang duets. He also encouraged his children musically, ensuring a piano was always in the home, and music of all genres was constantly playing on the beloved stereo.

He loved taking the family for Sunday drives in the beloved Chevy Corvair convertible and car vacations to Florida and Mackinac Island.

He enjoyed manicuring his lawn and landscaping to perfection, maintaining his homes and automobiles, and vacationing in Florida. After retirement, he and his second wife Jennie, whom he married in 1979, moved to Ft. Pierce, Florida in 1987. He doted on his and Jennie’s dog Popcorn.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Juanita; and second wife Virginia (Jennie), sisters Marie Cullip, Geraldine Murray, Goldie Sellers; brothers Jim and Homer. Surviving are one brother, Raymond Schenk of Bristol; four children Nancy (Brad) Cummins of Idaho, Thomas (Diane) Schenk of Tennessee, Marva Netherland of Elkhart, and Rex (Judy) Schenk of Arizona; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon for friends and family will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022 from Noon to 2pm at Central Christian Church, 418 W. Franklin St., Elkhart, IN followed by a Committal Ceremony for both Marvin and Jennie at Rice Cemetery, Elkhart conducted by the Rev. Dr. Douglas Cripe.

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