Husband of Nancy Ramer, son of Michael Shank and Barbara Weideman

Pre. Michael W. Shank was born in Ontario, Canada, Oct. 15, 1833, and died in La Junta, Colo., Feb. 13, 1905; aged 72 Y., 3 M., 28 D. In 1836 his parents moved with him to Putnam Co., Ohio, and thence to Elkhart Co., Ind., about the year 1849. Here he was married to Nancy Ramer, June 17, 1854. This union was blessed with eleven children, ten of whom are living. They lived in Elkhart county until about 1865, when they moved to Joseph Co., Ind. Here he was ordained to the office of deacon, and, a few years later, called to the ministry. Bish. Tillman Moyer of Canada conducted the ordination services. In 1886 they moved to Finney Co., Kan. Here they braved the hardships of frontier life, suffering many privations on account of numerous crop failures. But they lived happily together until 1896 when the wife and mother was called home to her reward. After that, he lived with his children in Finney county until about eight months before his death, when he moved to La Junta, Colo., for his health. But he had "fought the good fight" and "finished the course." The last few years of his life he was in feeble health, being afflicted with "creeping paralysis." About three weeks before his death he was stricken down with congestion in the lungs and later suffered from a paralytic stroke. He bore his afflictions bravely, and when the final summons came he peacefully passed away. Bro. Shank was a faithful workman in all he undertook. Robust in constitution, and determined in will, he faced the storms of life bravely, and in spite of crop failures, he was always able to meet his obligations. For years his voice was heard in defense of a pure gospel and righteous Christian living. Though not an eloquent man, he was sound in faith and consistent in life, and exerted a marked influence in conferences and church work in general. The way that people listened to what he had to say was remarkable. But his voice will be heard upon earth no more. He has gone to his reward and left us a worthy example by which to profit. Funeral services were conducted at the home in La Junta, Tuesday, Feb. 14th, by J. M. Nunemaker, Geo. Ross and Daniel Kauffman. Text, 2 Tim. 4:6-8. After this, the remains were taken to his former home in Garden City, Kan., and after further service at the Friends' church were laid to rest in the Garden City Cemetery, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1905. D. K. Herald of TruthVol. XLII, No. 823 February 1905