Charles F Schanke
May 2, 1931 - May 22, 2021
CHULA VISTA — Chuck passed away peacefully on the morning of May 22, 2021.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, the love of his life, his two children and 2 grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
Charles Fredrick Schanke was born in West Bend Wisconsin. As a youth he remembered the great depression, the unemployment and the civilian conservation core. During WWII, he collected scrap iron, turned in empty tooth paste tubes, tin cans and grease drippings used for making explosives. He would purchase ten and twenty-five cent war saving stamps. Bubble gum, marshmallows and chocolate bars were very scarce. He handed out chocolate bars and treats to troop trains that stopped in his home town of Wahpeton, North Dakota. He attended high school in Kendall Wisconsin where he met Shirley, his high school sweetheart and wife.
Chuck served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955. He was a Dental Lab Technician at Camp Pendleton. This is where he fell in love with California and San Diego. He returned to Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 1958 with a degree in education. He was employed as a teacher and administrator in the Sweetwater Union High School District. He touched the lives of many students while at
Hilltop and Bonita Vista high schools. His endless hours as the ASB advisory at Bonita earned him the nickname of “Mr. Baron.”
His family was his greatest joy. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by them. He was an avid sports fan; he loved the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs, but the Green Bay Packers were always his favorite.
Chuck took lots of pride in his home and garden and loved the 4th of July. His foundational principles in life were honesty and integrity along with a great sense of humor.
Chuck’s phrase was “Keep Smiling.” Chuck, Dad, Papa, we all love you and will keep smiling for you!
Private services were help at Miramar National Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the Parkview Hospice Home, San Diego Sharp Hospice Care. www. sharp.com.hospice