
Ted Shinkle (on the right) and his brother Brad. Ted passed away this past Sat. June 20th at the Toledo Hospital. Ted was one special man, and a credit to every outdoorsman and hunter in Michigan.
Ted had a passion for life, and never quit working right up till last weekend. He owned Shinkle flower Shop and Greenhouses in Temperance Michigan for over 40 years, until his son Gary, and his wife Sue, took over. He remained an active part of the business, and was never afraid to get his hands dirty, or deliver an order of flowers to one of his customers. Ted was 89 years young, and I say that reverently, as Ted was young at heart. And oh what a heart he had! He loved people, and he loved helping his fellow man, but most of all he loved his life long sweetheart Marge (Hatker) Shinkle. Their 65 year marriage was one that is rarely seen anymore, and they truly were totally devoted to one another.
I just wanted to share something that sheds a little light on this one mans unique and wonderful life. About a year and a half ago I visited the Shinkle home in order to interview Ted and Marge about an upcoming feature article I wanted to write about Ted (then 87) and his 89 year old brother Brad. Marge had just fixed Ted lunch, after he had walked home from the nursery where he had worked the morning. We talked about the old days, World War II, Hunting, and family. Ted was so proud of his kids and grandkids, but he got a special twinkle in his eye when he talked of meeting Marge. You could tell they were still sweethearts, even after all of life’s ups and downs. I spent about 1-1/2 hours with the Shinkles, and had tons of hand scribbled notes. I could of spent the whole day there. Anyway as were winding down, Ted looks at his watch and says “Oops I’m ten minutes late, gotta get back to work!” With that he embraced his wife, gave her a kiss, and was off and running again. Marge explained to me that Ted never left the house without giving her a kiss, and she just seemed to “glow” as she talked adoringly of her tall handsome husband.
My brother Darryl is good friends with the Shinkles, and has sat around their campfire, in the Upper Peninsula, on many hunting trips. I was fortunate enough to be asked, on a coupe of occasions, to join them during the fall season. What pure delight to spend time with Ted and his older brother Brad. Son Gary would always be around to keep camp running smooth, and make sure the poker games were on the up and up! What a trip playing card with these two colorful brothers. Ted and Brad never went up north to sit in the cabin. In the last five years Ted had taken two Michigan black bears, and several deer. This past year he even shot a nice turkey, and was going to use the turkey feathers for some flower arrangements, when the right opportunity came along. How ironic, and fitting, that Gary and Sue had the feathers used in Teds own funeral flowers. Ted made you feel right at home when you stayed in the Shinkles lovely log retreat in Crystal Falls. He was a fine a gentleman as you’ll ever meet, and I’m thankful and proud that I got to know him. The world has less light than it did a few days ago. May you rest in your Saviors arms Mr. Ted Vincent Shinkle. (April 9, 1920-June 20, 2009)
Ted and Marge had four sons Ronald, Norman, Gary, and Robert. Teds oldest son Dr. Ronald Shinkle, Pastor of Lemoyne Baptist Church, will officiate, and interment will be in Toledo Memorial Park.
You left a legacy of love Ted. It doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks for sharing your campfire with the Ansel’s. Hopefully this is not the end of the story.
Glad I knew you. Mike Ansel