Dr. Stewart Shankel II *
Dr. Stewart Wilson Shankel II was born Oct. 3, 1931 in Lacombe, Alberta Canada. When he was in high school, his family moved to College Place, WA where he attended Walla Walla Valley Academy. Upon completing high school, he continued his education at Walla Walla College, majoring in Chemistry. He then attended Loma Linda School of Medicine, graduating in 1958. He went on to specialize in Nephrology and over the next nearly 60 years, was a highly regarded and deeply loved practitioner and instructor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, and the University of California Riverside School of Medicine. While attending Loma Linda University School of Medicine, he met fellow medical student Elaine Larson. They were married August 21, 1955. On June 7, 1958, the day he and Elaine were to graduate from medical school, they welcomed their first child, Stewart Wilson Shankel III. He and Elaine had 3 more children: Jeffery Hubert, Theodore Lee, and Martha Nell. He was known for his ready smile, sense of humor, and ability to make friends and put people at ease. He started and ended each day in communion with his closest friend, Jesus Christ, including his family in worship and prayer each evening. Besides dedicating his life to his students and patients, he loved to grow fruits and vegetables. Many have benefited from his abundant harvests. He spent many happy hours tending his garden and orchards. After his wife of 58 years, Elaine, passed away, he met Joyce Smith. They married in June, 2014. He is survived by his wife Joy Shankel; his sons Stewart (Helen) Shankel and Jeffery Shankel; his daughter Marti (Bill) Ward; daughter-in-law Tami Shankel; grandchildren Jaci (Craig) Nash, Matt Shankel, Katie Shankel, Lauren (Tyler) Shockey, Stewart Shankel IV, Garrett Shankel and 2 great-grandsons. He is also survived by his brother Clinton (Mable) Shankel. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, son Ted Shankel, brother Delbert Shankel, and sister Jean Smith. His service will be at 1:00 PM Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in College Place, WA. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Elaine Shankel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Stewart and Elaine Shankel Endowment Fund at the University of California Riverside. He will forever be treasured in the hearts of his family, friends, students, and patients until we meet again at our Savior’s return.
Published by Daily Bulletin on Oct. 4, 2022.