Walter "Irv" Shrake

Walter Irvin Shrake 1933-2019

Walter “Irv” Shrake of Savanna, IL, beloved husband, father, and pillar in his community passed away Sunday, October 13, 2019 at FHN Hospital in Freeport, IL.

Irv was a lifelong resident of Savanna. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Japan. Irv retired from Soo Line Railroad (formerly Milwaukee Road) after 39 years of service as a computer technician and instructor. He also was later editor of the Savanna Times-Journal for a number of years and created the “Out of the Main Channel” column.

Irv served in the Savanna Bible Church (Formerly known as Oak Park Bible Church) for many years beginning in his youth. He was on the administrative board as a deacon, taught Sunday School, and has been recognized as a mentor to youth in the community. Irv was also a long-time Rotarian, member of the Savanna VFW, and served as City Clerk for 12 years.

Irv leaves his beloved wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Ann Mohns (Betty) Shrake, daughters Sharon Shrake Reynolds (Robert) of Paragould, AR and Melissa Shrake White (Maurice) of Savanna, and his sons David Shrake of Boston, MA and Daniel Shrake of Savanna. He leaves 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a previous son-in-law, Scott Stubblefield of Clinton, Iowa.

Mr. Shrake was preceded in death by his parents Irvin M. Shrake and Elsie Mae Shrake, a brother Robert Shrake, and son at-birth, Jonathon.

Irv will be remembered for his friendly, outgoing manner and wry wit, his love of animals and the Mississippi River, and his love of the Lord Jesus Christ and his church.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Savanna Bible Church, with burial to follow in Spring Lake Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Savanna Bible Church.