David L. Shanks

April 25, 1927 - June 13, 2018 David “Dave” L. Shanks, age 91, of Oconomowoc, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 13, surrounded by family. Dave was born in Evanston, Illinois, to Edwin and Katherine Shanks. After graduating from Evanston Township High School, Dave served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a corporal. He then attended Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. In 1949, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Lucy, and they began their long and much-blessed life together. In the late 1960’s, Dave and Lucy moved to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. As Executive Vice President of Rexnord Corporation, Dave was responsible for Corporate Communications and Public Relations and in that capacity, experienced many unique opportunities, including dinner at the White House. His career, though, was far more that just a day job. Rather, it evolved into a lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy. In fact, Dave served in one leadership capacity or another for over 40 years, including membership on various steering committees for the Oconomowoc Area School District, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, and Lutheran Homes of Oconomowoc, as well as board positions for various foundations, the Ethics Resource Center, the YMCA (including a term as President), and the vestry of Zion Episcopal Church. Dave was at home in any organization focused on aligning strong values with community involvement. In his retirement, Dave continued to be active in a volunteer capacity. He also enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren, as well as cross-country adventures with the love of his life, Lucy. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lucille (nee Ennis), his children, Kent (Annette), Todd (Rose), Jenny (Robert) Dorsey, Ellen, Lori (Shannon) Minch, and Scott (Heather). Dave is further survived by his 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren along with his nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Katherine (nee Ingalls), his brothers, Ed and Lloyd, and his sister, Jean Alexander. A Funeral Mass for Dave will be held on Saturday, July 21, in Adams Hall at the Nashotah House Theological Seminary (2777 Mission Rd., Nashotah) with a visitation for family and friends starting at 2:30pm and Mass beginning at 4pm. A private interment for Dave will be held at Zion Episcopal Church in Oconomowoc. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to St. Michael’s Anglican Church (612 Milwaukee St., Delafield, WI 53018), the YMCA at Pabst Farms (1750 E. Valley Rd., Oconomowoc, WI 53066) or to the Alzheimer's Association (P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090). The family would like to say a special thank you to Azura Memory Care and Hometown Hospice for the special care they gave Dave. Beloved husband, dedicated father, good friend, and fine man, Dave will be truly missed but never forgotten.