Geo W. (Bill) Schlenker

January 25, 2015

Service Details

Bill passed peacefully on January 25, 2015, with his wife and family by his side. He was born to Wilbur (Bill) and Vera Schlenker in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 2, 1937.

Bill married Nora Massure on February 14, 1982, and to this union they brought together three of Bill’s children, Mark Schlenker, Jodi Schlenker (Bob Higgins), and Todd (Sue) Schlenker, and five of Nora’s children, Larry Massure, Gail (Phil) Lamb, Steve (Becky) Massure, Sharon Lopez, and Rick Massure. Three grandchildren: Cailey Schlenker, Willow Schlenker and Cole Schlenker, eight step grandchildren: Jason McAvoy, Stacy Michaelis, Michael Massure, Melissa Massure, Michelle Massure, Wade Massure, Nick Lopez, Carlye Lopez, and five great step grandchildren, Asta, Josh, Ethan, Deven, Gitane, and Bella.

Bill grew up and went to school in Waterloo, Iowa. In high school he lettered in track and rifle shooting. He graduated from Waterloo West in 1956. He went on to complete his education at Iowa State University and graduated from there in 1963, also lettering in rifle shooting. He went to work for John Deere and later Ford Motor Company, then Massey Ferguson. He took early retirement from Massey, and then worked the next 20 years for Ron’s Electric until his finally retiring. Bill had 4 loves, his wife Nora, his Family, the outdoors, and cars. If he wasn’t working in his garage, he was out with family and friends fishing, hunting, horseback riding or camping. He restored 3 vintage cars and was very active in the AACA and CLC car clubs. His garage was always occupied with someone’s ailing car or a fix it project. He was a soft-spoken man who touched many lives with his generosity and helping hands.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 29th from 5-7pm, with a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 30th at 10am at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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