George Schrank

George Schrank Obituary George Schrank, 92, of Roswell, NM, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025 at home. George Schrank was born on November 26, 1932, in Marion, Wisconsin, to Alfred Schrank and Constance Helgeson. Growing up in Gresham and Shawano, Wisconsin, he loved to play basketball and baseball, as well as ice skate on the homemade pond right outside his home. He was proud of his family roots, which included both his German ancestry and his mother’s heritage from the Oneida Indian Reservation. As a teenager, his curiosity led him to become a “fixer of everything.” His automotive skills were developed by working in his father’s mechanic shop. He attended high school and junior college at Concordia Milwaukee, where he played clarinet in the band and participated in baseball, volleyball, softball, and basketball. Basketball was his passion; he played on the varsity team for three years. He fondly recalled games where he made the winning shot and playing in a college game that was televised in 1951 (Concordia vs. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee). Concordia was an all-male school rooted in the classical tradition, where students gathered each evening for chapel. He fondly remembered how the surrounding streets would fill with neighbors who paused to listen as the timeless strains of beloved Lutheran hymns, sung by an all-male chorus, drifted through the night air. In 1953, George married MaryAnn Pawlak at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Together, they shared 72 years of love and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to their community and church, Immanuel Lutheran, where he served as treasurer. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, attending and filming numerous football games, marching and symphonic band concerts, dance recitals, and cheer competitions. A lifelong learner, George went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Omaha (1968) and a master’s degree in business administration from Eastern New Mexico University (1976). He served a 20-year career in the United States Air Force that spanned 13 permanent duty stations, including three international locations (the Philippines, Japan, and Guam). Achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, he served as an instrumentation technician- installing, calibrating, and repairing electronic and mechanical systems used in testing F-86 aircraft simulators, radar systems, and the Bomarc and Thor ballistic nuclear missiles. He was honored as Airman of the Year, 1969, for Holloman AFB. During his distinguished service , he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the USAF Master Missileman Badge. After retiring from Holloman AFB in Alamogordo, New Mexico, he moved to Roswell, where he dedicated 20 years to the financial world, eventually serving as senior vice president and chief financial officer for First Federal Savings Bank. Even in retirement, his desire to serve others remained strong. Through the Aid Association for Lutherans, he guided many in making sound financial decisions grounded in faith and stewardship. Those who knew George will remember his inquiring mind, his fascination with how things work, and his uncanny ability to fix anything—from simple household items to complex automobiles and computers. He was an avid reader, especially of history and World War II books. He was a man of many interests and endless curiosity, with a remarkable knowledge of everything from finance and history to music, electronics, automotive systems, and computers, and he delighted in discussing these topics with others. His family often relied on his steady judgment and financial insight, especially when it came to investing wisely. George is survived by his wife, MaryAnn Schrank; daughter Kim and husband Edward Osborne II of Lovington, NM; son Edward and wife Brenda Schrank of Parker, Colorado; and daughter Melanie and husband Mark Smith of Lovington, NM. Grandchildren include Jason Schrank and wife Elizabeth; McKenzie Schrank; Alec Schrank and wife Lauren; Eric Osborne; and Amy Zarazua and husband Joshua. Great-grandchildren are Maverick Schrank, Miles Schrank, and Giana Zarazua. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Connie Schrank, and his two siblings, Myla Mae Larsen and Rev. Robert Schrank. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Osborne, SSgt Jason Schrank (US Army), Capt. Alec Schrank (USAF) and Sgt. Joshua Zarazua (USMC). A memorial graveside service will take place on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at General Douglas L. McBride Veterans Cemetery within South Park Cemetery, 3101 S. Main Street, Roswell, NM. A meal will follow the service at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1405 N. Sycamore, Roswell. Family and friends are invited to attend both. The family would like to thank Megan Brandt, CNP; Enhabit and Frontier Home Health personnel; Comfort Keepers caregivers; and Gentiva Hospice for their kindness and support. Military honors provided by the Air Force Honor Guard from Cannon AFB and the local Roswell Honor guard at his memorial service are appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran School, 1405 N. Sycamore, Roswell, NM 88201, in memory of George Schrank. George’s statement of faith was simple and steadfast: I know that my Redeemer lives, and one day I will see Him face to face. That is the promise I have carried with me to the end.

George Schrank

November 26, 1932 - October 23, 2025