Gerald Wesley Shonk, 81, of Granite City, IL passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at Highland Health Care Center in Highland, IL.
He was born on January 26, 1943 in Plymouth, PA to the late George and Victoria (Yechimovicz) Shonk. Gerald married Brenda Rapp on June 30, 1973 at Scott Airforce Base in Bellville, IL. He retired in 1980 as a Master Sargent after serving 20 years in the US Air Force as a Medical Service Superintendent. After his first retirement, he served as a mail carrier and shop steward for the US Postal Service in South St. Louis; he retired in 2003 after 23 years. Gerald loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman throughout his entire life. He loved to help people out when they were in a tough situation; his friends always knew they could count on him to be there.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 51 years, Brenda Shonk; 3 sons: Christopher (Mariam) Shonk, Bradley (Angi) Shonk, Michael Shonk; 4 grandchildren: Caleb Shonk Kyleigh Shonk, Amy Shonk, Wesley Shonk; a great grandchild: Nova Shonk; and 2 brothers: Robert Shonk and Richard (Barbara) Shonk.
Besides his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by a brother: George Shonk
A Memorial Service with burial to follow will be held at a later date.
Online information and guestbook may be found at www.wojstrom.com.
Cremation services entrusted to Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory.
