Norman Eugene Schanck

Norman Eugene Schanck, who we lovingly called Gene, was the youngest of 5 children born to Mary and Clifford Schanck on September 5, 1946, passed on April 11th, 2025, surrounded by his children, after bravely battling a long term illness. There is debate amongst family if the youngest son, Gene, caused his mother Mary most the of her grey hair. According to his older and only sister, Bev, it was undoubtedly Gene. Gene attended Mio Area High School, although Gene may have won the award for the most absences and tardies if one were to look at his report cards, he would still insist on being 2 hours early for any appointment or event to the dismay of anyone that rode along with him. Gene received his GED at the age of 29, although some would argue about who did the work. Gene was retired from Oscoda County Road Commission. This was due to his medical issues, and he often spoke of his want to be back in the truck.  Most would agree that Gene could operate any piece of heavy equipment and what we lovingly called “Mickey Mousing” anything to work; sometimes it may not look pretty, but you bet it worked. Gene had many contraptions that he created throughout the years and enjoyed tinkering around in his garage. Gene was known for his friendliness, humor, and kindness. The neighbors fondly called Gene, the Mayor, as he would help a neighbor in need and always knew the neighborhood happenings. He was known for his ability to listen without judgement and to offer advice.  Gene always had a beloved dog at his side and a cat on his couch. He was also known to feed any wild animal in a mile radius. This resulted in a skunk population that boomed and the pictures of the bear that he liked to show off to friends and family. Gene enjoyed being out in the woods, cutting firewood, looking for morels (despite hating mushrooms) and cutting grass. Residents of Alta Subdivision are now inquiring about who will care for their yards-if anyone is looking for work. Gene, most of all, enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He was proud of the patriotism of his family and could always be seen sporting the MIA hat in honor of his older brother, Russell, MIA from the Korean Conflict. His children will remember the hardworking man who always placed his family first and showed us that you always lend a helping hand if able and if you give someone your word, you keep your promise. To know Gene, was to love him. He will be ardently missed by those he leaves behind.
Gene leaves behind beloved wife Neomi of 40 years; older sister Beverly, brother Jim (Jane) children Darrel (Jen), Paula (Jerry), Tara (Hunter), George (Deana), Dud (Val), and special daughter Kim, who loved to cut firewood and tinker in the garage with her “Pops”; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his loyal, four-legged companion- Moni. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Russell, Ted, and Bob, granddaughter Britnie, brother in-law, Dean, daughter-in-law Melissa, and former spouse Teresa.
Celebration of Life will be held June 14th, 2025, at the Mio Community Center at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to your local humane society.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.