Chatfield, MN – Brian Ralph Shank, 59, left us suddenly on Friday, September 27th, 2024, doing what he loved; riding his Harley. Brian was born on October 21, 1964, in Rochester, MN, to Ralph and Marie (Hove) Shank. He graduated from St. Charles High School, St. Charles, MN in 1983. After graduation Brian worked as a mechanic for several trucking companies. In 2001, he began his career in the Sprinkler Industry and planned to begin retirement November 1, 2024. Brian loved anything with wheels and power. He attended many car shows, tractor/truck pulls and drag races. Brian also loved his family and friends dearly and would help anyone that asked.
Brian married Tammy McKay in 1990 and they had a daughter, Emily, which he adored. He became a stepfather to Tammy’s daughters Laura and Amber. Tammy and Brian divorced in 2000.
Brian married his soulmate Kelly (Campbell) in February 2002, and added Jamie and Christopher to his family. They made their home in rural Troy, MN.
Brian is survived by his wife, Kelly, children Emily (Tyler) Moger of Preston MN, Jamie (Ahna Warner) Bushman of Muscle Shoals, AL, Christopher (Elizabeth) Bushman of St. Cloud, MN; Grandchildren, Tyson Moger, Payton Moger, Sawyer Moger, Walker Moger, Noah Bushman, Myla Bushman and Aspen Bushman; his sisters Sheryl (Roger) Brunette, Geraldine (Jim) Ellringer, Marlys (Larry) Fieseler, Deb (Marlow) Mielke, Gayle (Curt) Koenig, and Karen (Michael) Ellsworth; mother-in-law Cathy Campbell; brothers-in-law Tom (Janet) Campbell, John Campbell, sisters-in-law Wendy (John) Steffel and Sue Portugue; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Shank and Marie (Shank) Balcome, Lewis Balcome, father-in-law Alan Campbell, brother-in-law Greg Campbell and nephew Kevin Portugue.
A celebration of life for Brian and Mark Holzer, his best friend who left this world alongside Brian, will be held Saturday, October 5th, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Winona County Fairgrounds in St. Charles MN. In honor of Brian and Mark please wear Harley-Davidson and/or muscle car attire.
