Elizabeth “Liz” Schenck passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2025, in Holland, Michigan. She was 85 years old. Born and raised in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Liz grew up riding her bike to her grandma’s house, holding her little brother’s hand on the bus to the Museum of Science and Industry, ice-skating with her mom on the University of Chicago Midway, sailing with her dad, and swimming as early as St. Patrick’s Day with her friends in Lake Michigan.
She left the city to pursue her dream of becoming a dietitian, saying I knew I wanted to be a dietitian in 2nd grade. Liz earned her bachelor’s degree at Purdue University where she was active in Greek life and the sailing team. It was at a trade party she met this tall handsome man from small town Indiana named Bob Schenck. They fell very much in love. After graduation Liz was chosen for a prestigious internship at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. Bob faithfully drove back and forth on Route 12 every weekend to visit Liz. She worked long hours at the hospital, and said the only thing she was happier to see than the insides of her eyelids was Bob. They married in 1961 and last fall celebrated 63 years together.
Somewhere between running the kitchen at Porter Memorial Hospital, working at Whispering Pines nursing home and Opportunity Enterprises, Liz helped raise four swimmers named Mark, Brett, Andrew, and Kathleen. She cheered them on just as she cheered on every kid who was part of Valpo’s big swimmer family. For her littlest ones she’d hold a towel wide, then wrap them into a warm embrace. Liz was incredibly creative. She caned chairs, designed jewelry, made nourishing soups and baked homemade bread. You could often hear her old Singer in the basement and find her holding up a half-finished prom dress, saying to Kathleen with pins between her lips, Hold still! She was a regular at the Chesterton Art Fair, the trails at the Dunes, the Chapel of the Resurrection, and Immanuel Lutheran Church.
She was a vibrant person who could strike up a good conversation with anybody. Liz truly loved people, and loved to help people, too. She made lasagna each week for men experiencing homelessness and organized gifts for children each year through the Angel Tree. She worked at swim meets with the Special Olympics and volunteered with the city’s burgeoning recycling program. She knit heavy sweaters, wool hats and scarves to help others stay warm. Liz loved music and really loved to sing. She sang in the kitchen, the car, in church, anywhere and everywhere. If you started a song, chances are she knew it and would sing along. And if she didn’t know the words she might sing just as loud, look straight at you and laugh.
Liz is survived by her children: Mark, Brett, and Kathleen; her beloved grandchildren: Calista, Jonathan, and Joanna; cousins: Jean, John David, and Carol; niece Heidi and nephew Bill; brother Paul, and all of their loved ones, too.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM Central Time with visitation at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow. Please join us at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383. All are welcome. Condolences for the Schenck family may be sent to 202 E. 25th St., Holland, MI 49423
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