Mike Schalk

Michael Lynn Schalk, 74, of Indianapolis, and formerly of Monrovia, passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on March 4, 2026, at Methodist Hospital. Born at home—on the kitchen table, as the story goes—in Crossville, Illinois, on October 24, 1951, Mike was the fifth of six children of the late Ulyess Arthur “Dude” and Lola Violet (Davis) Schalk. Raised in a close-knit family, Mike embodied the resilient spirit of a small-town boy. He graduated from Crossville High School in 1969 and went on to earn a degree in printing technology from Vincennes University. Mike’s professional life reflected his loyalty, steadiness, and strong work ethic. He spent more than 30 years in the printing industry at Shorewood Packaging (International Paper), where he rose to the role of Production Manager and built lifelong friendships along the way. On Valentine’s Day in 1978, Mike married the love of his life, LuAnn (Hinshaw) Schalk. Together, they created a warm and joyful life centered around raising their three boys, gathering with family and friends, traveling to Cancun, and savoring the simple pleasures of everyday living. Despite facing significant health challenges throughout his life, Mike met each one with quiet toughness and without complaint. To his children and grandchildren, he was the definition of a gentle, easygoing, “go with the flow” dad, Pa, and Papaw. A member of West Union Friends Church, Mike was a man of many passions. He was an exceptional cook—famous for his steak with mushrooms and his chocolate chip cookies—and he loved working in the yard, gardening, and returning to Illinois to visit family and attend high school reunions. He cherished time spent with loved ones, especially when it involved playing cards, watching Westerns, or listening to the classic sounds of Alabama, the Allman Brothers, and Sawyer Brown. His calming presence made others feel instantly at ease, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, LuAnn; and his siblings in-law, Jimmy Thomas, Donna Dolen, Nancy Hinshaw, and Greg Kempf. He is survived by his loving children: Jonathan Schalk (Rachel) of Brownsburg; Jake Storm (Kim) of Avon; and Matt Storm (Misty) of Louisville. He is also survived by his siblings: Paul Schalk (Jeanette) of Carmi, IL; Roy Schalk (Ruth) of Greenfield; Carolyn Thomas of Springerton, IL; Joe Schalk (Carolyn) of Spring Hill, TN; and Janette Speir (Howard) of Pegram, TN. Additional survivors include siblings in-law, Lynn Kempf of Keene, NH; Judy Will of Mooresville; and Judd Hinshaw (Terrie) of Monrovia; as well as his cherished grandchildren Amber Schalk (Danny), Deacon Storm, Gavin Storm, Madilyn Storm, Gianna Storm, and Rider Schalk; and great grandchildren Emmy LuAnn and Elaina Mae. Funeral and cremation arrangements were entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, with visitation beginning at noon. Inurnment will follow at West Union Friends Cemetery in Monrovia and memorial contributions may be made in Mike's memory to the cemetery. To share a favorite story, leave an online condolence, or light a candle in Mike’s memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Mike Schalk

October 24, 1951 - March 4, 2026