Mary R. Schanock

Schanock, Mary R. (1927-2015)

Mary R. Schanock, 88, Green Bay, WI, surrounded by her children and grandchildren passed away peacefully in her home on October 25, 2015.

Born January 30, 1927, in Beloit, WI, to the late Ralph and Harriette Ritter, Mary graduated from Kenosha High School and attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Post schooling, she worked at The Great Lakes Naval Station where she served as secretary to the Commander.

Mary’s appreciation for music, art, firearms, antiques, fine craftsmanship, tennis and travel was developed through her early observations of her father and his friends. At the age of 12, her father challenged her to “copy the master’s” of painting. Mary’s initial attempt still hangs in her oldest son’s home. Her unique artistic flair was reflected in the décor of her homes and her interesting, often unusual accessories and collections.

Mary met her true love Romaine Schanock, at a men’s clothing store where he worked. Dressed in bobby socks and saddle shoes, cow bell in hand, Mary entered the store to buy jackets for her three brothers whom she cared for.

On New Year’s Eve in 1948, Mary eloped with Romaine in Lake Delavan, WI. They were later re-married at St. Patrick’s Church in Green Bay, WI on April 29, 1949.

Mary complemented Romaine in their marriage and in their successful

career with Cadillac Motor Car Company and McDonald’s restaurants by providing him with her support, wisdom and balance. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a treasured friend to many.

Mary was the definition of class. She happily put others needs before her own and always saw the positive qualities in people. Her undeniable beauty, crystal blue eyes, confident composure, along with her soothing and alluring voice was immediately noticed when she entered the room. Mary was always stylishly dressed, regardless the occasion and always wore her hair in a French twist. She even modeled for Nau’s Department Store newspaper advertisements among others.

Mary was an advocate of charity and helping those less fortunate. She and Romaine made contributions to The Salvation Army, The Weidner Center, The Meyer Theater, and The Joan Kroc Community Center. In 1999, she was the very proud recipient of The Others Award from The Salvation Army.

Mary was a warm and charming hostess. No one could enter her home without being offered something cold to drink or good to eat. Mary was famous for her hamburger soup and chili con queso recipes. Her shopping skills were renowned. Often buying seven of each item; one for herself and one for each of the six children. No one ever left her home empty handed. Guests were always offered a trinket or treasure or lucky stone to take with them.

She and Romaine treated their family and friends to many gatherings at their summer home at Shore Acres near Dykesville, WI, where they enjoyed bonfires on the beach, blowing bubbles, Fourth of July fireworks and late night games of dice to name a few.

While Mary and Romaine had the pleasure of visiting many exotic destinations, she never realized her lifelong dream of going to Africa and hoped that one of her children or grandchildren would travel there on her behalf.

Mary was notorious for keeping Romaine waiting…Dad your wait is finally over!

We all love you both!

Mary Schanock is survivied by five of her six children, Dan Schanock, Debra (Steve) Daffinson, Donna Schanock Stout, David (Kim) Schanock all of Green Bay, WI and Darcy (Emmett) Cregan of Sturgeon Bay, WI; son-in-law John (Kris) Pavlik of Green Bay, WI; eleven grandchildren, Sam, David, Jenny, Nick, Tom, Jimmy, Michael, Annie, Carly, Mary and Evan; five great grandchildren, Ethan, Lucas, Lily, Evelyn and Isla; two brothers, Ralph and James Ritter.

Preceded in death by husband, Romaine Schanock; daughter, Diane Pavlik; great granddaughter, Autumn Daffinson; and brother, Peter Ritter.

A brief ceremony and entombment will be held at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum, 2121 Riverside Dr., Green Bay, WI, (Use Webster Street entrance) at 3pm on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015.

The family would like to extend special thanks to AseraCare Hospice, Home Instead, and especially to the private care given by Darcy, Gloria, Fairy, Shelli and Kayla. Your kindness, patience and compassion are greatly appreciated.

Remembrances can be mailed to: The Schanock Family, 635 Brevoort Lane, Green Bay, WI 54301. In lieu of flowers, please direct expressions of sympathy to The Salvation Army and The Joan Kroc Community Center in Green Bay or to the Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Wisconsin.