Marie L. Schanck

Marie Louise (Cournyer) Schanck, loving wife of John Schanck, Jr., and mother of Denise Kalafut, William & Debbie Schanck, Patricia Schanck, John & Fran Schanck, III; went home to be with the Lord November 27, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

Marie was born on January 13, 1933 to Keith and Mildred (King) Cournyer in Rose City, Michigan. Keith and his father, BJ, owed the newspaper in Rose City, but when Marie was three they moved the family to Mio, where they owned the Oscoda County News for 3 generations. Marie married John February 5, 1955 in a small wedding at Marie’s parents’ home. At a young age of 16, Marie performed a solo with the A C Choir at the 1st Methodist Church in Flint. She was a homemaker in Midland, MI where her husband’s job took their small family. Eleven years later, Marie returned to Mio and purchased the Dairy Ace from her brother Jack Cournyer and handed out ice cream cones for 18 years. Marie was always active in her hometown’s events such as: Theta Roe, Eastern Stars, playing the piano in several churches and organizations, singing the National Anthem at many county events, and helping with 4-H with their Ice Cream Wagon. Marie’s "Claim to Fame" came when she was on National television news for protesting the burial of PBB cattle in our county. John and Marie also performed as Carriers of Praise, a gospel group, singing in Michigan. But, Marie’s true loves were her family and FISHING at Helmer Lake. She was also proud of the quilts she made and donated to the Veterans.

Marie has 9 grandchildren: Michael & Heidi Green, Melisa Merritt, Jennifer Wohlrabe, John Keith Schanck, Anthony Schanck, Sarah & Brian Orr, John Schanch, IV, Ashley Peterson and Rebecca Schanck; several great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Keith & Mildred Cournyer, her sister Barbara Farthing, and her brothers Jack Cournyer and Ruben Cournyer.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.