David William Shenk, 97, of Nampa, Idaho, died April 17, 2024, at his residence in Caldwell. He was born to Daniel and Nancy Boyer Shenk on Oct. 10, 1926, in Cottage City, Md.
He married Harriett Shank on Nov. 6, 1949, and they were married for 71 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He especially loved and cherished any time he was able to spend with his family, as well as his church family.
He spent his growing up years in the Mennonite colony in Newport News, Va., and, like many young men in the area, worked on the cattle boats after World War II. A highlight of his life occurred when he and his father and brothers were privileged to accompany a boatload of horses to Poland and Iceland in 1946.
He is survived by children Myron Shenk (Sylvia), Joyce Jones (Neil), Donna Thompson (Dan), Carolyn Keen (Damon) and Pamela Shenk; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters Elizabeth Brunk and Alice Nice (Daniel); and brother Maurice Shenk.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriett; brothers Paul and Donald; sisters Lois and Louretta; and granddaughter Jennifer.
A celebration of life service was held April 27.