Obituary of Willard Schlenker

Willard "Bill" Schlenker, 74, of Braham passed away on Friday, November 26, 2010 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on March 3, 1936 the eleventh of fourteen children to Christ and Emily (Schultz) Schlenker in McLaughlin, South Dakota. He graduated from McLaughlin High School in 1954. He attended one year of college at Aberdeen, South Dakota and also one year at the University of Minnesota. In 1955 he worked at IDS in Minneapolis as a forms designer. It was at IDS where he met Nancy Brown and they were married on September 28, 1957 and they had three children. Bill was always active in church programs from the time he was in high school until just a few months ago. He had a great faith in God which showed throughout his struggle with cancer. He enjoyed the many church activities and was active as chairman on several committees as well as being president of his congregation in Fridley, MN. He enjoyed spending time with his family, singing in choirs, watching sporting events (especially his grandchildren's), traveling, and getting together with friends and his reunions with relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Christ and Emily Schlenker, brothers Albert and Alvin, Ruben, Raymond, Ronnie, Gerald and Harry, sister Ruth Haggerty. Bill is survived by his wife Nancy of Braham, daughter Rebecca and husband Curt Bye of Rush City, sons Philip and wife Jenny Schlenker of Cambridge, Aaron Schlenker of Cambridge, six grandchildren Abby, Justin, Austin, Calle, Noah and Ada, sisters Erma and husband Darvin LaFrenz of Braham, Betty and husband Ben Hillis of North Branch, brothers Irvin and wife Jenny Schlenker of Albuquerque, NM, Clarence and wife Donna Schlenker of El Paso, TX, and Herbert Schlenker of Madras, OR, as well as numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.