Donald A. Schlenz, 92, of Sterling passed away Friday, November 15, 2019 in Sterling.
Visitation will be from noon to 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Tennant Funeral Home. Vigil and Rosary services will follow at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, Nov. 20 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Michael Bodzioch celebrating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Don was born to Herman Joseph and Clara (Lousberg) Schlenz on February 3, 1927 in St. Peters [community], CO. He was their only son, with seven sisters.
Don attended church and school at St. Peter's. During high school he quit school to work for his uncle Joe Lousberg, helping him farm and ranch, along with continuing to help his father farm. In 1944 during World War II Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the destroyer USS Strong. He was a machinist in the engine room and was in charge of the boilers and water purification for the ship. His ship and fleet fought in the battle of Okinawa. He got appendicitis on the ship and had to have an emergency appendectomy on deck. While recovering shore side in a tent a Japanese sniper was killed nearby one night. He then served a short time in the occupation of Japan after the Japanese surrender.
After returning from service, Don helped his father farm and took a job with the City of Sterling as a parking meter reader from 1946 to 1950. City hall had a secretary, city planner, police chief, fire chief, and 2 paid firemen. Don also helped to get fire trucks out to fires for the volunteer firemen. He read the parking meters and serviced them. When the city wanted him to wear a uniform, he quit. During this time Don met the love of his life, Rosemary Degenhart. They were married at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Sterling on November 11, 1947. Their 72nd wedding anniversary was last Monday, on Veteran's Day.
In 1950, Don went to work for Guy Curlee at Sterling Lumber Company. They sent him to the mill shop under Pat Hoskins, a noted carpenter and cabinet maker. Don started his own construction business in 1954, Don Schlenz Homes & Remodeling. Don built numerous custom homes in Sterling and the surrounding communities. His talent was in the woodshop with custom cabinets and millwork. Later on, commercial projects became challenging. Pizza Hut restaurants, a school addition, a bank, and the restoration of historic buildings. His business is still thriving with family members taking over.
Don was a farmer at heart though. He loved the land, crops, and livestock. But he was to be a craftsman and businessman. He loved going to work, especially on Mondays. Sunday afternoons seemed long to Don because he couldn't wait to go work on Monday. He always loved working with his brother-in-law John Wernsman in the business. It was always a good time at work when other brothers-in-law were on the jobsites, William Lock and Richard Bayley. Don was very active in the Sterling community, especially with St. Anthony's Church, where he frequently offered his help and expertise over the years. He also was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and Knights of Columbus.
Don is survived by his wife Rosemary; children Linda (Charles) Thomas of Arizona, Donna (Ted) Adams of Wyoming, Gary (Karen) Schlenz of Fleming, Lori (Scott) Cimino of Oregon; sister Judy McMillan of Loveland; grandchildren Abraham Adams, Adam (Brittany) Schlenz, Katie Adams (Stephanie Anderson), Ashley (Patrick) Steward, Dani Adams (Chael Chapel), Amber (Andrew) Kachel; great-grandchildren Easton and Tristan Steward, Anthony and Reagan Schlenz, Charlie Kachel, and Indie Adams Chapel; numerous nieces and nephews; 3 brothers-in-law; 2 sisters-in-law; and lifetime friend Carl Etl.
He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Clara, 6 sisters, and 1 grandson, Benjamin Adams.
Memorials may be made in Don's name to St. Anthony's Catholic Church care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.--Tennant Funeral Home & Crematory
Visitation will be from noon to 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Tennant Funeral Home. Vigil and Rosary services will follow at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, Nov. 20 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Michael Bodzioch celebrating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Don was born to Herman Joseph and Clara (Lousberg) Schlenz on February 3, 1927 in St. Peters [community], CO. He was their only son, with seven sisters.
Don attended church and school at St. Peter's. During high school he quit school to work for his uncle Joe Lousberg, helping him farm and ranch, along with continuing to help his father farm. In 1944 during World War II Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the destroyer USS Strong. He was a machinist in the engine room and was in charge of the boilers and water purification for the ship. His ship and fleet fought in the battle of Okinawa. He got appendicitis on the ship and had to have an emergency appendectomy on deck. While recovering shore side in a tent a Japanese sniper was killed nearby one night. He then served a short time in the occupation of Japan after the Japanese surrender.
After returning from service, Don helped his father farm and took a job with the City of Sterling as a parking meter reader from 1946 to 1950. City hall had a secretary, city planner, police chief, fire chief, and 2 paid firemen. Don also helped to get fire trucks out to fires for the volunteer firemen. He read the parking meters and serviced them. When the city wanted him to wear a uniform, he quit. During this time Don met the love of his life, Rosemary Degenhart. They were married at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Sterling on November 11, 1947. Their 72nd wedding anniversary was last Monday, on Veteran's Day.
In 1950, Don went to work for Guy Curlee at Sterling Lumber Company. They sent him to the mill shop under Pat Hoskins, a noted carpenter and cabinet maker. Don started his own construction business in 1954, Don Schlenz Homes & Remodeling. Don built numerous custom homes in Sterling and the surrounding communities. His talent was in the woodshop with custom cabinets and millwork. Later on, commercial projects became challenging. Pizza Hut restaurants, a school addition, a bank, and the restoration of historic buildings. His business is still thriving with family members taking over.
Don was a farmer at heart though. He loved the land, crops, and livestock. But he was to be a craftsman and businessman. He loved going to work, especially on Mondays. Sunday afternoons seemed long to Don because he couldn't wait to go work on Monday. He always loved working with his brother-in-law John Wernsman in the business. It was always a good time at work when other brothers-in-law were on the jobsites, William Lock and Richard Bayley. Don was very active in the Sterling community, especially with St. Anthony's Church, where he frequently offered his help and expertise over the years. He also was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and Knights of Columbus.
Don is survived by his wife Rosemary; children Linda (Charles) Thomas of Arizona, Donna (Ted) Adams of Wyoming, Gary (Karen) Schlenz of Fleming, Lori (Scott) Cimino of Oregon; sister Judy McMillan of Loveland; grandchildren Abraham Adams, Adam (Brittany) Schlenz, Katie Adams (Stephanie Anderson), Ashley (Patrick) Steward, Dani Adams (Chael Chapel), Amber (Andrew) Kachel; great-grandchildren Easton and Tristan Steward, Anthony and Reagan Schlenz, Charlie Kachel, and Indie Adams Chapel; numerous nieces and nephews; 3 brothers-in-law; 2 sisters-in-law; and lifetime friend Carl Etl.
He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Clara, 6 sisters, and 1 grandson, Benjamin Adams.
Memorials may be made in Don's name to St. Anthony's Catholic Church care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.--Tennant Funeral Home & Crematory
Donald A. Schlenz, 92, of Sterling passed away Friday, November 15, 2019 in Sterling.
Visitation will be from noon to 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Tennant Funeral Home. Vigil and Rosary services will follow at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, Nov. 20 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Michael Bodzioch celebrating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Don was born to Herman Joseph and Clara (Lousberg) Schlenz on February 3, 1927 in St. Peters [community], CO. He was their only son, with seven sisters.
Don attended church and school at St. Peter's. During high school he quit school to work for his uncle Joe Lousberg, helping him farm and ranch, along with continuing to help his father farm. In 1944 during World War II Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the destroyer USS Strong. He was a machinist in the engine room and was in charge of the boilers and water purification for the ship. His ship and fleet fought in the battle of Okinawa. He got appendicitis on the ship and had to have an emergency appendectomy on deck. While recovering shore side in a tent a Japanese sniper was killed nearby one night. He then served a short time in the occupation of Japan after the Japanese surrender.
After returning from service, Don helped his father farm and took a job with the City of Sterling as a parking meter reader from 1946 to 1950. City hall had a secretary, city planner, police chief, fire chief, and 2 paid firemen. Don also helped to get fire trucks out to fires for the volunteer firemen. He read the parking meters and serviced them. When the city wanted him to wear a uniform, he quit. During this time Don met the love of his life, Rosemary Degenhart. They were married at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Sterling on November 11, 1947. Their 72nd wedding anniversary was last Monday, on Veteran's Day.
In 1950, Don went to work for Guy Curlee at Sterling Lumber Company. They sent him to the mill shop under Pat Hoskins, a noted carpenter and cabinet maker. Don started his own construction business in 1954, Don Schlenz Homes & Remodeling. Don built numerous custom homes in Sterling and the surrounding communities. His talent was in the woodshop with custom cabinets and millwork. Later on, commercial projects became challenging. Pizza Hut restaurants, a school addition, a bank, and the restoration of historic buildings. His business is still thriving with family members taking over.
Don was a farmer at heart though. He loved the land, crops, and livestock. But he was to be a craftsman and businessman. He loved going to work, especially on Mondays. Sunday afternoons seemed long to Don because he couldn't wait to go work on Monday. He always loved working with his brother-in-law John Wernsman in the business. It was always a good time at work when other brothers-in-law were on the jobsites, William Lock and Richard Bayley. Don was very active in the Sterling community, especially with St. Anthony's Church, where he frequently offered his help and expertise over the years. He also was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and Knights of Columbus.
Don is survived by his wife Rosemary; children Linda (Charles) Thomas of Arizona, Donna (Ted) Adams of Wyoming, Gary (Karen) Schlenz of Fleming, Lori (Scott) Cimino of Oregon; sister Judy McMillan of Loveland; grandchildren Abraham Adams, Adam (Brittany) Schlenz, Katie Adams (Stephanie Anderson), Ashley (Patrick) Steward, Dani Adams (Chael Chapel), Amber (Andrew) Kachel; great-grandchildren Easton and Tristan Steward, Anthony and Reagan Schlenz, Charlie Kachel, and Indie Adams Chapel; numerous nieces and nephews; 3 brothers-in-law; 2 sisters-in-law; and lifetime friend Carl Etl.
He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Clara, 6 sisters, and 1 grandson, Benjamin Adams.
Memorials may be made in Don's name to St. Anthony's Catholic Church care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.--Tennant Funeral Home & Crematory
Visitation will be from noon to 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Tennant Funeral Home. Vigil and Rosary services will follow at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, Nov. 20 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Michael Bodzioch celebrating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Don was born to Herman Joseph and Clara (Lousberg) Schlenz on February 3, 1927 in St. Peters [community], CO. He was their only son, with seven sisters.
Don attended church and school at St. Peter's. During high school he quit school to work for his uncle Joe Lousberg, helping him farm and ranch, along with continuing to help his father farm. In 1944 during World War II Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the destroyer USS Strong. He was a machinist in the engine room and was in charge of the boilers and water purification for the ship. His ship and fleet fought in the battle of Okinawa. He got appendicitis on the ship and had to have an emergency appendectomy on deck. While recovering shore side in a tent a Japanese sniper was killed nearby one night. He then served a short time in the occupation of Japan after the Japanese surrender.
After returning from service, Don helped his father farm and took a job with the City of Sterling as a parking meter reader from 1946 to 1950. City hall had a secretary, city planner, police chief, fire chief, and 2 paid firemen. Don also helped to get fire trucks out to fires for the volunteer firemen. He read the parking meters and serviced them. When the city wanted him to wear a uniform, he quit. During this time Don met the love of his life, Rosemary Degenhart. They were married at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Sterling on November 11, 1947. Their 72nd wedding anniversary was last Monday, on Veteran's Day.
In 1950, Don went to work for Guy Curlee at Sterling Lumber Company. They sent him to the mill shop under Pat Hoskins, a noted carpenter and cabinet maker. Don started his own construction business in 1954, Don Schlenz Homes & Remodeling. Don built numerous custom homes in Sterling and the surrounding communities. His talent was in the woodshop with custom cabinets and millwork. Later on, commercial projects became challenging. Pizza Hut restaurants, a school addition, a bank, and the restoration of historic buildings. His business is still thriving with family members taking over.
Don was a farmer at heart though. He loved the land, crops, and livestock. But he was to be a craftsman and businessman. He loved going to work, especially on Mondays. Sunday afternoons seemed long to Don because he couldn't wait to go work on Monday. He always loved working with his brother-in-law John Wernsman in the business. It was always a good time at work when other brothers-in-law were on the jobsites, William Lock and Richard Bayley. Don was very active in the Sterling community, especially with St. Anthony's Church, where he frequently offered his help and expertise over the years. He also was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and Knights of Columbus.
Don is survived by his wife Rosemary; children Linda (Charles) Thomas of Arizona, Donna (Ted) Adams of Wyoming, Gary (Karen) Schlenz of Fleming, Lori (Scott) Cimino of Oregon; sister Judy McMillan of Loveland; grandchildren Abraham Adams, Adam (Brittany) Schlenz, Katie Adams (Stephanie Anderson), Ashley (Patrick) Steward, Dani Adams (Chael Chapel), Amber (Andrew) Kachel; great-grandchildren Easton and Tristan Steward, Anthony and Reagan Schlenz, Charlie Kachel, and Indie Adams Chapel; numerous nieces and nephews; 3 brothers-in-law; 2 sisters-in-law; and lifetime friend Carl Etl.
He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Clara, 6 sisters, and 1 grandson, Benjamin Adams.
Memorials may be made in Don's name to St. Anthony's Catholic Church care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.--Tennant Funeral Home & Crematory
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