William Bryant Schalk

Loving father, husband and friend, William (Bill) Bryant Schalk passed away on Wednesday, October 18th, 2017, due to complications of diabetes, under the loving care and support of his family and staff at Wellbrooke.

Bill was born October 4, 1935 in Anderson, Indiana and was adopted by his parents, Earl and Hazel Schalk. Bill grew up in the Anderson area on the family farm graduating from Anderson High School in 1953.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Sue Cook on January 1, 1954. They were happily married until Carolyn's untimely death after 30 years of marriage. They were destined to marry after acting out a play in kindergarten together where Bill was the preacher and Carolyn was the bride.

Following graduation Bill farmed in the Anderson area until he was called to serve the lord as a minister. In 1956 he moved with his young family to Minneapolis, Minnesota to attend Minnesota Bible College where he earned a Bachelor's in Theology in 1963. Bill was dedicated to education and continued to pursue graduate work in counseling, psychology and management through the University of Minnesota, Indiana University, and the Christian Theological Seminary, for Pastoral Counseling.

Throughout his career, Bill worked to develop and expand Christian Churches. He described himself as a "Church Planter" working with many young community churches to develop and grow their ministries. He served communities as minister for Tamarack, New Brighton, and Duluth Christian Churches in Minnesota. He moved his young family back to Indiana in 1967 where he served as minister for New Market Christian Church, and later he was a charter member of New Hope Christian Church. Bill also served as interim/part time minister for Garfield, Brazil and New Ross Christian Churches.Bill was the Director of the Christian Mission for The Blind from 1988-1998. He also worked for 10 years in management for Coast to Coast in Crawfordsville. In 1998 he began his private consulting company, Helping Hands Enterprises. More recently Bill served as a Shepherding Elder for Woodland Heights Christian Church.

Bill honorably discharged from the Army in 1961 where he was trained as a sniper.Throughout his life he was very committed to the second amendment and demonstrated his patriotic love for this great nation at every opportunity. He is a proud member of the NRA and supported many charities and missionary ventures.

Bill shared his love for the Lord through singing and sharing his passion for people through conversation and ministry. He enjoyed singing over his lifetime with solo ministry, quartets and groups sharing his bass/baritone voice to any who would listen.He enjoyed fishing, reading, music, WW II movies and spending time with family.

After the untimely death of Carolyn, Bill married Mary Lea Randall (Bingham) on July 20, 1984. Mary Lea survives him and resides at Lane House in Crawfordsville

He is survived by his 5 children: Susan Marie (David) Freed, Bloomingdale; William Joseph Schalk, (Brenda), Crawfordsville;Timothy Earl Schalk, Chicago;Anita Kay (Donald) Davidson, Chicago; andMichael Gene Schalk (Shirley), Roselawn, Indiana. Also surviving are his 12 grandchildren;David Goff (Ellen);Karly Pruett (Shawn); Scott Freed (Krystal); Cary Lewis (David); Tracy Robbins (James); Chris Schalk (Madison); Katie Brown (Ben); Alison Schalk; Nichole Harju (Willie); Paige Davidson; Donald Zachary Schalk; Carolyn Kiana Schalk; 18 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

In keeping with Bill's wishes,cremation was chosen with a Memorial Service to celebrate Bill's life being held at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 11th, at the Woodland Heights Christian Church, 468 N. Woodland Heights Dr., Crawfordsville, with Rev. Mike Whitacre officiating. The family will greet friends on Saturday at the church from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A family graveside service conducted by Rev. Tony Thomas will be held at the Ladoga Cemetery. Memorials in Bill's memory may be made to: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 10401 N. Meridian St., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46260: or to: The North American Christian Convention, 110 Boggs Lane, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. (www.donate2kbf.com)