Walter Shanks

Walter Shanks, 92, of Silver Creek, died Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center in Osceola.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the United Methodist Church in Silver Creek. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. Private family interment will take place at a later date in the Silver Creek Cemetery. The funeral service will be broadcast live on the McKown Funeral Home Facebook page.

All CDC guidelines regarding public gatherings will be followed. Masks are required. In an abundance of caution, those feeling ill or who are in quarantine are asked to watch the livestream broadcast of the service.

Walter Dean Shanks was born February 15, 1928 to Ralph and Opal (Anderson) Shanks in Lucas County, Iowa. He graduated from Derby High School in 1946. In 1948 Walter was united in marriage to Ruth Marie Halls. To this union, Walter's four children were born. Walter farmed in Iowa for 20 years before moving to Nebraska. On December 7, 1979, Walter was united in marriage to Nancy Martin in Silver Creek. Walter worked for Gary Hullinger, was the manager of the Husker Coop in Silver Creek and he loved helping Wieseman's with their farming operation. He was active in 4H and was a member of the Columbus Eagle's Club. Walter loved to golf, dance, his weekly bingo, and was a very tough competitor when it came to cards. He enjoyed helping his granddaughter, Cady, out at the Vine Street Café in Silver Creek. Walter was a true family man. He loved spending time with all his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step grandchildren. Walter was devoted to listening to his grandson, Dustyn, do sports broadcasting and watching him compete in baseball.

Walter is survived by:
Daughter: Beverly (Roy) Martin of Boone, IA
Daughter: Shirley Shanks of Boone, IA
Son: Steve (Peggy) Shanks of Chariton, IA
Stepson: Calvin 'Tonto' (Sandy) Martin of Silver Creek
Stepson: Kenneth (Melisa Freke) Martin of Silver Creek
Stepson: Danny (Sue) Martin of Silver Creek
Stepdaughter: Susan (Darin) Stortzum of Silver Creek
6 Grandchildren
13 Step Grandchildren
Several great grandchildren
Daughter-in-law: Martha Shanks of Derby, IA
Sisters: Juanita Owens, Myrtle Briner
Brothers: Ralph LaVern and Larry

He is preceded in death by:
Wives: Ruth and Nancy
Parents
Son: Walter Eugene (Gene) Shanks
Brothers: Robert (Bob), John, Charles Edwin (Ed), Don, Gail, Freddie