David J. Schank
David Joseph Schank, 82, of Arcadia, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family and was on the farm where he wanted to be.
David Schank was born in Arcadia, March 22, 1944, the third child of Edward and Monica (Rumpel) Schank. David grew up on the family farm north of Arcadia and worked hard alongside his family to create the work ethic and agricultural knowledge that shaped his passion for a career as a farmer. David attended Arcadia High School where he made many lifelong friends and enjoyed playing football for Bill Cashen and the Arcadia Raiders, earning many All-Conference and All-District awards. After graduating high school, he took over the farm with his brother, John. He and John had vision and embraced technology to grow the family farm into one of the largest and most successful farms in the area. David always had an upbeat and positive attitude which served him well in the demanding role as a dairy farmer. Shortly after buying the farm, David met the love of his life and partner of over 55 years, Charlotte Guza. David and Charlotte were married in 1971, in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. The couple would raise four children: Scott, Steven, Jason and Jennifer. David would stay active on the farm long after ownership was turned over to his sons. Later in life, David enjoyed driving a feed truck, cutting hay and checking up on everyone to make sure they were doing things right.
Besides his love of farming, David was a wonderful father and strong family man, showing his children how to live by example. David exhibited virtues like integrity, work ethic, charity and compassion for others throughout his life. He worked hard, asked for little, and let his character speak for itself. David enjoyed watching his kid’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, livestock exhibitions and music & drama performances. David was quick-witted and brought smiles to those around him. He was loved by his wife and children and adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed riding the back roads of Wisconsin and touring his own property on his four-wheeler or side by side. He loved the outdoors and wildlife and enjoyed deer, squirrel and turkey hunting with his family on the farm.
David’s Legacy will live on through his family and his works here on earth. David was active in the community and contributed to many projects, both with his labor and donations. His work here is done and he will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank hospice services and the employees of Home Instead, especially Helene Moinat and Lily Hoeft. These individuals enabled him to stay in his home after his health declined so he could enjoy the company of family and friends, watching Wisconsin sports, catching up on Gunsmoke, and eating his favorite foods, especially ice cream. This also allowed David to view the land he loved and feel involved in the family operation.
David is survived by his wife, Charlotte; children: Scott and Barb (Konkel), Steven, Jason and Stephanie (Rodenberg), Jennifer and Andy (Hayes); grandchildren: Nicholas and Mackenzie (Halverson) Schank, Alexis and Ben Wellman, Madeline Schank, Noah Schank, Alyssa Schank (Gavin Bragger), Claire Schank, and Elias Schank; great-grandchildren: Weston Schank and Brantley Schank; siblings: Joan Guenther, Doris (Ralph) Ruben, Tom (Renee) Schank, Daniel Schank, and Diane (Denny) Fritsch.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Monica Schank; brother, John Schank; and infant granddaughter, Selia Schank.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence, with Father Brandon Guenther officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, rural Arcadia. A Celebration of Life will follow from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Arcadia Country Club. Memorials in David’s name may be directed to Calvary Cemetery. To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.
