Gordon R. Schlender

Gordon R. Schlender, 92, of Wittenberg, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston. Gordon was born on July 23, 1932, in the Town of Wyoming, Waupaca County, the son of Fred and Alma (Beyersdorf) Schlender. On Feb. 28, 1953, Gordon was united in marriage to Agnes Thorson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Morris. She preceded him in death on May 5, 2024. Gordon worked at Hatley Veneer, Morning Glory, Nueske’s and Foremost Farms. He was also part owner of the Dairy King in the 1990s, along with his wife, Agnes, sister-in-law, Joanne Preuss, and Joanne’s husband, Gene Preuss. Gordon enjoyed working outdoors and was interested in tractors, especially vintage tractors. Gordon is survived by his children, Mark (Susie) Schlender of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Rick (Debbie) Schlender of Pulaski, Terry (Janice) Schlender of De Pere and Lisa (Mark) Schmidt of Wittenberg; nine grandchildren, Erich, John (Amanda), Andrew, Matthew, Erin, Katie (Mike) Zakowski, Tom (special friend, Donna), Dan (special friend, Kelly) and Brianna Schmidt; 11 great-grandchildren, Wolfgang, Konnor, Avery, Olivia, Ladin, Devin, Ashlyn, Madalynn, Gavyn, Abigail and Eleanor; siblings, Genevieve Buck, Roselyn Schultz and Gary (Sandra) Schlender; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Pat Schulz, Jim Thorson, Beverly Radun, Peggy Emmel, Gene Preuss and Sharon Schlender; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes; parents; siblings, Rolland (Erna) Schlender, Robert Schlender and Eugene Schlender; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Robert Thorson, Tom Thorson, Ronald Thorson, Dennis Thorson, Joanne Preuss, Dan Schulz, Barbara Thorson, Viola Thorson, Betty Thorson, Donald Buck and Jim Schultz. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Pastor Sharon Fox Bogen will preside. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com. The family would like to thank Rennes Health and Rehab, Homme Home and Compassus Hospice for their kind and compassionate care given to Gordon. Also, to Ann Hawley for her visits and prayers.