Rex Howard Shank, 55

Rex Howard Shank, 55, went to be with our Lord and Savior at his home in Post Falls, Idaho, on January 1, 2014.

He was born in Denver, CO, on June 2, 1958 to Paul V. Shank and Norma L Eskil. His family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in the 1960's, where at a young age he learned to love the culinary arts in his father's restaurant, Paul Shanks Gracious Dining. He graduated from Scottsdale High in 1976, pursued his love of culinary arts at Northwood Institute in Indiana, and then returned back to his home in Arizona to continue his passion as a chef. Everywhere he worked he excelled to Sous Chef or Head Chef; he was a born leader and believed in leading by example and honestly working hard. 

In 1991 he moved to Montana where he was closer to his mom and sister's family until 1996, when the whole family moved to Wolf Lodge, Idaho. There he met the love of his life, Michelle, in 1997 and  they enjoyed many adventures together. They loved playing billiards, watching sports, fishing, camping and exploring the world around them. Rex and Michelle truly loved the ocean and learning to cook together as the years progressed. It was the joy of his life when the Lord blessed them with three beautiful children: Paul, Noah and Sierra - they then became the center of his world. 

Rex's dream was to own his own restaurant, and in 2004 he was blessed with the opportunity to be co-owner and Chef of GW Hunters in Post Falls, Idaho, for the next seven years after which he decided to retire and spend more time with his family. He was a very loving and devoted husband, father, son, uncle and brother, and never a day went by that his family didn't know he loved them. He will be missed and never forgotten.

The family is asking for privacy at this time. However, for everyone who loved him and was influenced by his character and life, his family is offering a public funeral onThursday Jan 9, at Evergreen Cemetery, 2 p.m., 2834 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, ID.