Jerome Schank

Jerome L. Schank, 87, of Independence, died peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Grandview Care Center in Blair under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Jerome was born in Arcadia on December 4, 1936, to Clarence and Dorothy (Wicka) Schank. Growing up on the farm, Jerome was no stranger to hard-work and developed a love and respect for the land, nature and trees. He had a passion for gardening, each year planting a wide variety of vegetables and fruits in addition to the groves of trees he nurtured. He enjoyed raising sheep and sharing the experience with his children. At a young age, Jerome contracted Polio, but fought and persevered, never allowing his ailment to slow him down. Jerome was united in marriage to Marion Servais on June 18, 1960, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Arcadia. In addition to farming, Jerome was employed with Arcadia Fryers where he worked until his retirement. His love for raspberries and blueberries, ability to talk to anyone and everyone (and their brother), and devotion to his faith and family will be forever cherished by all who knew him.

Jerome is survived by his loving wife of 64 years: Marion; sons: James (Charlene) of Bayfield, CO, Joseph (Julie) of Independence, and Rick (Lisa) of Kenosha; daughter: Cheryl Padula of Whitehall; 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers: Willard (Celeste) Schank and Donald Schank both of Independence; sisters: Elaine (Greg) LeGare of Osseo and Celine Brandon of Stillwater, MN; sister-in-law: Sharon Schank of Altoona; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Jean Therese; stillborn daughter; stillborn granddaughter; sister: Rita (Rudy) Zoromski and Mary Ann (Tony) Hergenreder; brothers: Allen and Henry; and nephew: Darren Zoromski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father George Thayilkuzhitottu officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 1st, at the Edison Funeral Home, where there will be a 7 p.m. public prayer service followed by the Rosary. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the mass at church on Friday. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Grandview Care Center and Assisted Living. To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.