Obituary of Alan James Schenck

Alan James Schenck born October 25, 1938 in Hibbing, MN to Ruth and James Schenck. He passed away Jan. 1, 2020. Al graduated from Hibbing High School in 1956. He was a member of the National Honor Society, band and was the yearbook senior editor. He received an AA degree in Engineering Technology from Hibbing Junior College. He was a member of the Road Runners Car Club and drove a 1948 cherry red Plymouth convertible. He was also a member of the DeMolay. He married Connie Marie Oothoudt in March of 1959, they made their home in Duluth. Alan was employed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation for 38 years. He served as lab chief in the soils testing laboratory. During Al’s tenure with MN Dot, he was cited by two different governors for excellence in the workplace. As a young husband and father he attended Woodland Methodist Church. He was very active as a MYF leader, choir member, usher and the advisory council. His great love was youth hockey. He served as a coach for ten years with the Woodland Boys Hockey Association. A few years after he retired from coaching he received a phone call. He was told there were seventeen young men that were not selected for high school hockey teams that wanted to play hockey and would he coach them. He said yes, the boys were skilled and determined and won the State MAHA Midget Tournament in 1980. Al loved the beauty of Lake Superior and fished it for many years. He had three different boats, all of which he named the Connie-O. As grandchildren started to appear he gave up boating for cabin life in Wisconsin. Al and Connie had many wonderful years sharing their cabin with friends and family. Alan was a recognized bench rest shooter. He enjoyed reloading, always looking for a perfect shot. He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church, University for Seniors, United Northern Sportsmen and the MN Dot retired employees Coffee Club. Alan was deeply loved. He is survived by his wife Connie of 61 years; sons Jeff and Greg Schenck, daughter Nancy (Tony) Kuntz. He leaves four beautiful , loving grandchildren, Andrew Schenck, Carly Schenck, Rachel Ladzinski (Andrew) and Michelle Kuntz. He is also survived by his sister Susan Ball, Richard and Karen Oothoudt and many wonderful caring friends and relatives. He is also missed very much by his little dog Molly who brought him so much comfort and love. No flowers please. All memorials can be directed to the Union Gospel Mission – 219 E 1st St. Duluth, MN 55802. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt and the entire St. Luke’s staff for their care and concern for Al and his family. Also the PT and OT staff at Chris Jensen Rehab Center for making it possible for Alan to spend his last three months home and to all the angels at Solvay House. God made each and every one of you very special. A celebration of Alan’s life will be held Saturday, January 11, at 12:00 pm at Hope Methodist Church, 301 W St. Marie St. with a gathering starting at 11:30 am. Reverend Sarah Horsfield officiating. Please join the family after the service for a meal of thanksgiving and fellowship.