William J. "Hank" Schaack

William “Hank” J. Schaack, 81 of Devils Lake formerly of Starkweather, ND passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, July 19, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Center in the loving care of his daughter and son-in-law and Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial for Hank will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Charles Leute, O.P. will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Honor Guard. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Hank’s special request was for those in attendance at the service to dress casual and comfortable. Serving as Casket Bearers for Hank will be Lucas Nelson, Jacob Nelson, Marcus Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Glen Weber and Ray Schwan. Reading the Scriptures will be Diane Nelson Gift Bearers will be Kevin and Ronni Schaack. William was born in Carrington, ND on December 5, 1927, the son of Henry and Catherine (Weber) Schaack. He was reared and educated in Fessenden and Sykeston, ND graduating from Fessenden High School with the class of 1945 and at the age of 14 began working in the local grain elevators. Hank joined the United States Army in January of 1950, serving his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on October 13, 1952. Hank was united in marriage to Gloria J. Nelson, daughter of Alf and Ruth Nelson on October 3, 1964 in Sykeston, ND. They lived in Webster, ND for 4 years, then moved to Starkweather, ND living, working and raising their family. Hank’s career spanned 33 years as the manager of the GTA Elevator, later named Cenex Harvest States and at the end of his career working for Lake Region Grain. In 1994, Hank retired and they moved to Devils Lake. Gloria passed away on March 3, 1997. Hank was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the VFW Club. Hank enjoyed trips to the Casino, horse racing and always enjoyed a good game of cards. His most precious time was spent with his grandsons. Hank will be deeply missed by his children: Kathy Wass and her husband, Rodney of Devils Lake; Kevin Schaack and his wife, Ronni of Uniontown, Ohio and Roger Schaack and his wife, April of Perham, Minnesota. Grandsons: Riley Wass, Kaden Wass and Alec Schaack. Brothers-In-Law: Roger and Diane Nelson, Jamestown, ND and Mike and Kathleen Nelson of Nekoma, ND; Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gloria; son, Michael; brothers, Vincent, Walter and Frances Schaack and George in infancy; sisters, Catherine Steinwand, Dorothy Aljets, Rose Meiers, Margaret Bauer and Valaria Wren;