Walter Owen Schenk

Walter Owen (Wally) Schenk listened to "Taps" for the final time on July 16, 2017. He was 89 years old. He took his final bow, leaving a legacy of leadership through music to thousands. He was born March 9, 1928, in Minneapolis, Minn., where he grew up and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1946. After high school, he joined the Army and played in the Army band in Italy during the time of the occupation after World War II. He later followed his passion for music and studied at the University of Minnesota and The MacPhail School of Music, graduating in 1951 with a degree in music education. While attending college, he met and married Sharley Mae Linker in 1949.

Wally's first teaching job took him to Bonner's Ferry, Idaho, where he taught music to grades one-12, and he was active in local civic organizations. Building an impressive curriculum, his band was honored by playing at a local railroad station when President Truman made a stop there during his campaign. Wally moved his family to Orofino in 1954, where he taught band and choir and received recognitions which resulted in invitations for his band to play for events and parades all the way to Creston, Canada.

In 1967, Wally moved the Schenk family to Clarkston to teach middle and high school band, as well as the high school flag team. He increased the high school band from a 30- to 90-piece concert and marching band, which won many honors and awards over the years.

Wally was loved by countless fellow teachers, musicians and students. It is estimated that more than 15,000 students were involved with his music programs over his 39 years of teaching. As a mentor, he inspired many students to pursue careers in music as teachers and performers.

Wally loved the outdoors, especially camping, backpacking, hunting and fishing. One of his favorite camping spots was the Buffalo Hump area of Idaho, and he looked forward to meeting his buddies at the cabin in Pierce every year to go elk hunting. Wally and Shar were also avid golfers and were members of the Clarkston Country Club and Quail Ridge Golf Course. Wally derived a great deal of pleasure from his participation in many civic bands and orchestras over the years, including the well-known "big band" dance band known as "The Gentlemen of Note."

Wally is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sharley Mae Schenk, and five children: Nancy Hartill (Howard), Larry Schenk (Martina), Janis Blayer (Jeff), Deborah Baker (Larry) and Peggy Chapel (Lee); nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Marvin Schenk, of Minneapolis and nephews Chris, Nick and Anthony Schenk.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1115 13th St., in Clarkston, with a reception at the church to follow. The public is invited.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Lewis Clark Community Concert Band, P.O. Box 1481, Lewiston, ID 83501.