Leon "Dean" Shankel

Leon Dean Shankel, who was always known as “Dean” was born April 29th, 1940 in Hepler, KS to Elmer Donovan Shankel and Lola Mae Shankel (Neil). He was the youngest of ten children.

He has three living siblings – Ida Mae “Dude” Smith, Irene Lowe, and Curtis Shankel. He is survived by the following children from eldest to youngest - Douglas Caldwell, Tina Hooks (Caldwell), Troy Shankel, Matthew Shankel, Deana Amicone (Shankel), Jennifer Jaltuch, and Jason Jaltuch.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents and older siblings. They are JD “Shorty” Shankel, Buford “Butch” Shankel, Madeline “Madge” Gilliland, Donald “Don” Shankel, Eileen Highfill, and Pauline Shankel. Also, preceding Dean in death is his beloved wife Joann Shankel, son Todd Shankel, and grandson Samuel Caldwell.

He has 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren plus countless nieces and nephews.

Throughout his career Dean worked in the forms printing and manufacturing field in various roles. He started in 1957 as a press and collator operator and worked his way up to operational management. He finished his career in printing with the sale of printing equipment for all facets of forms manufacturing.

Dean lived in the Fort Scott area during his early years, moved to Overland Park in the late 60’s, and moved to Lake Geneva, WI in the late 70’s to manage the Forms Corporation of America facility where he met Joann Osoweic. Dean and Joann married June 16th, 1984. They moved across the state line to Richmond, IL where they resided the following years with Joann unexpectedly passing away March 2nd, 2005. Dean remained in Richmond through retirement until moving to Eldorado Springs, MO in 2022 with Deana during the final years of his care.

Dean lived a colorful life and loved all his blended and extended family members of in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand children, and great grandchildren. They were all just family to Dean!

He was an avid sports fan rooting for his Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls. He was a constant member of bowling leagues and golf leagues throughout his life and retirement. Dean was also a frequent “guest” of the casinos and especially slot machines on the days they were friendly enough to pay off.

He had many friends – old, new, and neighbors – who cared deeply about him. From his children we say, Thank You!

Dean's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 18th at St. Peter's Church, 2118 Main Street, Spring Grove, Illinois 60081. Committal service following the Mass.

A memorial will also be held at the Shankel Family Reunion on June 15th in Fort Scott, Kansas.