Lowell Thomas “ Pete” Shanklin, age 78, was called to eternal life on December 26, 2017, with family at his side, after a 14 month battle with cancer.
Pete was born in Iola on January 25, 1939 to the late Elmer and Irma (Stedman) Shanklin. He was a graduate of Iola High School. He married Ardelle Olson on August 26, 1961 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iola. After raising their children, together they did some travelling. He enjoyed attending family reunions throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states. During Pete’s younger years, he worked on mink farms, as a bowling alley pin setter, at Curtiss Lumber in New London, and driving farm animal delivery trucks. He spent many years working in construction, a short time running an A&W and motel in East Troy, and then found his most fulfilling work as an electrician, where he was appreciated by his customers for his expertise and friendship. In past years he was on a trap league, he and Ardelle participated in a bowling league, and he loved to roller skate. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club in East Troy, a member of the Iola Conservation Club, and Friends of Scandinavia History (FOSH). He was a member of the Riverside Bible Camp Association, Amherst, and in recent years served on the executive board. He spent countless hours volunteering at the camp, and he and Ardelle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011 at the camp with family and friends. Pete was proud of the fact that his grandparents played a major role in getting the camp started in 1935. Pete’s cousin Lila still lives on the Stedman family farm in the town of Lanark, Portage County which has been recognized as a Century Farm. For many years, he also volunteered for the Iola Conservation Club breakfast at the Iola Old Car Show.
He is survived by wife, Ardelle; daughters: Nola (Keith) Wolf, West Bend; Dana (James) Hartel, Winneconne; sons: Samuel, Fox Lake; Patrick, Fox Lake (special friend, Susan, Portage); grandchildren: Wayne (Jamie) Selthofner; Krystal (Eric) Wutt; Alicia and Malorie Wolf; Ramakka Hartel; three great grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sisters-in law, Sue Shanklin, Oregon, WI; Helen Shanklin, Winneconne, and many other family and friends. Pete was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Alvin and Terry.
He was a member of Scandinavia Lutheran Church, where funeral services were held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Presiding at the service was Pastor David Eisele, with the message delivered by Dean Nelson, a former director of Riverside Bible Camp. Visitation was held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Scandinavia Lutheran Church. Burial will be later in the spring at Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Scandinavia, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the family, who will make donations based on Pete’s wishes, or give to the charity of your choice. The Voie Funeral Home in Iola handled the arrangements.