Robert L. Shank Sr.

Robert L. Shank Sr., of Perrysburg, Ohio, who served as NFDA president in 1990-91, died at home November 9. He was 90.

Funeral service was a lifelong calling for Shank, and he spent more than 60 years serving the families of northwest Ohio, retiring at age 85.

He was born May 27, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, to Cuthbert (“Sandy”) Shank and Ruby (Meier) Shank. He graduated from Libbey High School in 1952, and after working with his parents in his father’s grocery store, he pursued a career in funeral service, graduating from Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1956. In 1960, he married Clara (Mercer) Shank after they were set up by his father, and they had three children together.

In 1964, the Shanks were given the opportunity to purchase the Witzler Funeral Home, which had been serving the Perrysburg community since 1859. This humble beginning led to a successful career in funeral service, with the ownership of several funeral homes and cemeteries.

Shank’s service to the profession included involvement in state and national governance. In 1980, he was elected as president of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. A decade later, he was elected NFDA president. One of his greatest honors was being sent to the 9/11 site in New York City to assist with recovery efforts.

Shank served his country in the Army Reserves. Since 1964, he was a member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, where he served on several committees. He also served as a member of the Perrysburg Board of Education and on the St. Luke’s Hospital Board in Maumee.

He is survived by children Tamara, Karen and Robert L. Jr.; six grandchildren; nieces and nephew; and many extended family members.