Ernst Schlender

SEDALIA — Ernst Schlender, 98, of Sedalia passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center, Sedalia. He was born on October 20, 1918 in Schlowitzne, Poland, the son of Ernst and Marie Schmidt Schlender, who preceded him in death.

On September 23, 1951 in West Germany, he was united in marriage to Marta Kropp, who preceded him in death on December 27, 1998.

Ernst, his wife, and three sons were sponsored by St. John's Lutheran Church in Cole Camp along with Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Borchers in May 1952 to come to America from West Germany. He and his family became members of St. John's in 1952. In 1957 he moved to a farm outside of Sedalia and became a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. In 1972 he transferred his membership to Our Savior Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Mid American Dairyman Association. Ernst worked as a dairyman until retiring 1980 and continued his cattle and grain farming until he was 90 years old.

Ernst enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by four sons, Abe Kropp (Sherry) of Sedalia, Art Schlender (Doris) of Jefferson City, MO, David Schlender (JoAnn) of Sedalia and Robert Schlender (Jennifer) of Sedalia; a daughter Ellen Young (Danny) of Green Ridge, MO; a granddaughter, Mary Treuner (Andrew) of Sedalia; six grandchildren, Casey, Dustin, Rori, Danielle, Ryan, and Tanner; 11 great grandchildren.

Besides his wife Marta and parents, he is also preceded in death by a son, Ron Kropp; three brothers and a sister.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2017 at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Andrew Tessone officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

Burial will be at Highland Sacred Gardens Cemetery, Sedalia.

Pallbearers will be Casey Schlender, Dustin Schlender, Ryan Schlender, Tanner Young, Scott Comstock, Andrew Treuner, and Josh Hibdon.

Honorary bearers will be Floyd and Katy Griffith.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church Radio Ministry in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.