Katie “Kate” Schank, 82, Richardton, reached her final destination on Sunday, February 14, 2010 following a five year battle with a mast cell disorder at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. By Kate’s request she will be buried with her husband at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery following a private family service with Fr. Chad Gion presiding and music provided by Tom Wellin on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.

Kate was born March 14, 1927 at Lefor, the daughter of Nick and Katie (Fritz) Gerber. Kate attended school at Lefor, and at the age of 14, she took a train by herself and worked at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Wash. In 1945 she married Adam Schank and together they farmed and ranched, which they truly loved on the family farm south of Richardton. In 1973 her dream home was built in Richardton.

To this union eight children were born, seven sons, Adam Dale, Mandan, Dwight, Willard and Brian, Richardton, Jeff, Bismarck, Rockwell, Dickinson, and Michael, Richardton, and one daughter, Debbie, Gladstone.

Kate enjoyed time with family and attending their grandchildren’s activities. Grandchildren include, Casey Schank, Troy and Dana Schank, Jessie Schank, Jamie Kahl, Alecia, Ashley, Landon and Kendal Schank, Susan Hanna and Levi Rummel, Katie Schank, and Jennifer and Jessica Schank; great-grandchildren include, Destiny, Caden, Hayes, Maysa, Reese, Khloe and Kaylee.

Kate was involved in Homemakers and many school activities. She loved traveling, bowling, dancing, cards, sports events, entertaining and staying fit. She enjoyed life to the fullest. Kate lived her life to the very end following the Golden Rule, she also lived her life leaving no stone left unturned and that if there is a will there is a way.

Kate is survived by her seven sons; one daughter; a son-in-law and several daughters-in-law; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Tony Gerber, Seattle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adam, her parents, three brothers, and three sisters. Kate will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the American Red Cross.