Shank, Giselle Yvette Fretz (1951-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Aug 31 p. 11

Birth date: 1951 May 5 1951

text of obituary:

GISELLE YVETTE SHANK

Giselle Yvette Shank, daughter of John L. and Beulah (Roth) Fretz, was born in Silverton, Oregon on May 5, 1951, and died at University of Oregon Medical School Hospital at Portland, Ore. on July 25, 1972 of acute leukemia after a two-year illness.

Early in life she accepted Christ and was baptized at the Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Ore., where she was a member until in her teens, when the family moved their membership to the Salem Mennonite Church, Salem, Ore. She loved to sing and while a student at Western Mennonite High School was in the A Capella Chorus several years, and also went on the annual chorus tours, one year to Iowa and another to Western Canada.

She and her husband began their married life in Colorado springs, Colo. while he was engaged in his 1-W assignment at Penrose Hospital. Here she showed a genuine interest and concern for friends also doing their service time, and for others with whom she worked in the hospital.

At the outset of her two-year illness they returned to Oregon. During the next two years she helped her husband teach a Sunday school class and also helped one summer in a migrant camp child care facility operated by the Salem Church. During the time of her illness, she said many times how she was ready for the Lord to take her to be with Him, or ready to stay and serve Him here. She made many friends during her short life, and had a positive influence on many because of her testimony and faith especially during her illness.

Surviving are her husband, David I. Shank, whom she married Nov. 9, 1969; her parents; two sisters, Iona and Karma at home; three brothers, John, Jr. of Seattle, Wash., Joseph and Roderick at home.

Funeral services were held July 28, 1972 at the Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Ore., with interment in the Zion Cemetery. Services were in charge of Paul Brunner and Louis Landis.