Hugh E. Shanks

Hugh E. Shanks, 87, of Kingsford passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at ManorCare Health Services. Hugh was born February 21, 1933 in Iron Mountain, son of the late Verne and Verda (House) Shanks. He was the second of three children, having an older and younger sister. Hugh graduated from Kingsford High School in 1950 and was a lifelong resident of the area. He then went into the U.S. Coast Guard and served during the Korean War from 1951-1954. After returning home he began working for the family business - Verne Shanks and Son. Hugh met his future wife, RoseMary McCole at a friend's party and they dated for two and a half years before marrying on June 29, 1957 at St. Margaret's Church in Sagola, MI. Hugh continued working as a builder and when his father retired in the mid 60's the business became Hugh Shanks Builder Inc. He remained in business until retiring in 2000, a career that spanned over forty-five years. His work ranged from small home improvements and remodeling jobs to expansions of businesses and million dollar new home projects. Hugh has 120-130 homes that he built in the Dickinson/Iron county area that still stand today. Hugh was a 55 year member of the American Legion Post 363 in Kingsford and a longtime member of Pine Grove Country Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and wintering in Florida with RoseMary. Hugh's past hobbies included woodworking, making pieces of furniture for their home and play items for his grandchildren. They all have become family treasures. He was an excellent cook and some of his specialties were pancakes, grilled salmon and bloody marys. Hugh enjoyed downhill and cross country skiing and taught his kids to ski. In retirement, he also enjoyed playing golf and going for walks. Hugh loved attending his children’s and grandchildren's sporting events and playing catch with Mark. His willingness to ride roller coasters with his younger sister and grandchildren was admired by his family. He enjoyed traveling, spending time at the cottage, hunting with his dog, Bozo, and telling stories about his time in the U.S. Coast Guard. Hugh was truly a terrific guy who was thought of fondly by everyone and will be missed. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, RoseMary; two children, Mark (Joan) Shanks of Kingsford and Mary Kay (Rick) Boehme of Cottage Grove, WI; a sister, Sandra Perkins of Flint, MI; seven grandchildren, Lucas (Nicole) Shanks, Landyn (Brian) Patterson, Anna, Alek and Allette Shanks, Amelia and Rebecca Boehme; and several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Wenk and a brother-in-law, Robert Wenk. At Hugh’s request, there will be no services. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at ManorCare for their compassionate care of Hugh for the past 2 1/2 years. Condolences to the family of Hugh Shanks may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Hugh E. Shanks

February 21, 1933 - November 29, 2020