Eugene W. Schrank, age 72, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers

Gene was born on December 4, 1940 in Manitowoc to Esther Gass Schrank and the late Leonard Schrank. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1958. At the age of 18, Gene enlisted with the United States Army and was stationed in Virginia. After being honorably discharged, Gene went on to complete his education at UW Oshkosh. On October 8, 1966, Gene married Joyce Fritsch at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whitelaw. Gene had worked at Manitowoc Engineering, and then at Quality Building Restoration of Appleton for 34 years until his retirement in 2003. He was a member of the Wisconsin Mason Union for 40 years. Gene was an avid hunter and made many trips to Colorado. He also loved spending time at their cabin in Dunbar. Gene's whole life revolved around Bowling. Until this past August, Gene was State President of the Wisconsin U.S.B.C. Bowling Association. He was an outstanding fast pitch softball player and was an umpire for various Newton sports. Gene enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing in Canada, attending his children and grandchildren's sporting events, and spending time with his family and friends. Gene was member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Manitowoc Bowling Association for 42 years, Manitowoc Lakeshore All Sports Hall of Fame, Manitowoc Eagles Arie 706, Manitowoc Seagulls Club, Arbor Day Foundation, Dunbar Sportsman Club, Dun-Good Rider Club, and Wisconsin Deer Hunters. He was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin State U.S.B.C. Bowling Association, Manitowoc Bowling Association, Manitowoc Bowling Association Hall of Fame, NRA Benefactor, North American Hunting Club, and North American Fishing Club.

Gene is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce; three children: Christine (Steve) Miller, Craig Schrank, and Carey (Melissa) Schrank; five grandchildren: Ryan, Lane, Paige, Kayla, and Chad; mother: Esther Schrank; brother: Wayne (Kathy) Schrank; three sisters: Julie (Roger) Busse, Carol (Daniel) Ruh, and Karlene (James) Brunmeier; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Bill (Betty) Fritsch, Glenn (Gayle) Fritsch, Edward Fritsch, Helen (Victor) Herrmann, John Cohan, Rita Mangin, Sandra (Tom) Isselman, and Betty (David) Modra; and two daughters-in-law: Judy Neeb and Michaelle Schrank; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his father: Leonard; father-in-law and mother-in-law: William and Florence Fritsch; sister-in-law: Nancy Cohan; and brother-in-law: Darryl Mangin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Beaudry with burial to take place in the Parish Cemetery at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The visitation will continue on Wednesday at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home & Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Gene's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Barylak, Dr. Yetter, and all the staff of Aurora Medical Center and Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Two Rivers for all the care and compassion they showed to both Gene and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Gene's name.