Charles E. Shenk

Charles E. Shenk, 91, Goshen, formerly of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, passed away early May 2, 2023. He was born December 17, 1931, to Elam and Rhoda (Charles) Shenk in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

He married Marian H. Martin on New Years Day, 1952. She preceded him in death November 22, 2015. Charles and Marian had three children: Sharon (Doug) Risser of Goshen, Jim (Rachel Shank) Shenk of Goshen, and Jerry (Audra Sprunger) Shenk of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. Charles and Marian enjoyed five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Charles is survived by sisters Alma (E. J.) Albrecht of Forest Grove, Oregon and Dorothy Shenk of Lititz, Pennsylvania. An older brother, John, died in March 2022.

As a child, Charles helped his parents with their small truck farm, growing, preparing, and delivering produce and poultry to local markets. Charles and his father farmed together until Elam’s untimely death at age 52. Charles farmed a couple more years until asked to work at the Provident Bookstore in Lancaster to manage the Christian Education Department. Soon an untimely death led him into leadership there. ln 1971 he was asked to manage all the Provident Bookstores throughout the US and Canada. This involved moving his family to Scottdale, Pennsylvania.

In 1975 Earl Brilhart asked Charles to manage Brilhart Hardware. In 1982 Charles bought Brilhart Hardware, selling stock to family and employees. Jerry and Audra moved from Goshen to Scottdale so Jerry could join his dad in the business. Charles and Marian also owned the thriving Scottdale Fabric and Quilt Shop with Marian providing the creative drive and Charles as business manager.

Charles retired from retail in 1996 ut his work did not end there. The church invited Charles to share his leadership and speaking skills at local Mennonite congregations. He was licensed and ordained by the Allegheny Conference where he served as overseer. He served as interim pastor at Kingview Mennonite and later pastor at Scottdale Mennonite. When those roles ended, he served as interim pastor at Blough Mennonite and Crossroads Mennonite in the Johnstown area.

As Charles needed help caring for Marian, they moved to Waterford Crossing, Goshen, in 2015. Upon moving to Goshen Charles and Marian made Eighth Street Mennonite Church their home church. In Goshen Charles enjoyed more time with his Goshen family. He participated in various men’s Bible studies and discussion groups. In later years Charles enjoyed Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Enzo’s Pizza, watching sports especially his Pirates and Steelers, listening to his son’s band, The Dawg, and watching his daughter’s garden grow on the edge of the property.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, June 4 at, 2023 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room at Waterford Crossing, 1212 Waterford Circle, in Goshen.

Memorial gifts may to MCC.