Dennis "Pee Wee" Dean Schlender

Dennis “Pee Wee” D. Schlender, age 84 of Marion, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Birch Hill Health Services, Shawano.

Dennis Dean Arthur Schlender, or “Pee Wee,” as he was known around Marion, was born December 22, 1938, in the Township of Dupont, the only child born to the late Lester & Dora (Krueger) Schlender. He attended Marion High School and graduated with the class of 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June of 1957 and served until June 1961. After his honorable discharge, Pee-Wee returned to the family farm to help out and worked various other jobs. In 1975, he took over the farm and ran it until 1996. He was then employed by Clintonville Public Schools as a custodian until his retirement in 2009. Pee Wee was a member of Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville. He read his Bible often and loved his church community. He could easily chat with anyone and enjoyed his social life, including a “happy-hour,” every now and then. Pee Wee took joy in his garden, where he grew many vegetables, but really enjoyed his Yukon Gold potatoes. Watching sports was something he enjoyed; he rarely missed Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, as well as the Milwaukee Brewers. Pee Wee will be remembered for his willingness to help others, his great sense of humor, and his trademark smile.

He is survived by his

Children: Dawn Schlender, Shawano and Dan Schlender, DeKalb, IL

Step-daughters: Cindy (Ken) Dean, Clintonville and Christie Ebert, Gresham

9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren

A close cousin: Chet (Carol) Schlender, Appleton

He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-daughter, Linda (Brian) Dudzik; a grandchild; and a close cousin, Jean (George) Fritz.

Funeral services will be held 11AM Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Shelly Klemp officiating. Interment will take place at Roseland Cemetery, Town of Dupont at a later date.

Visitation will take place on Saturday at the church from 9AM until the time of service.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Marion is assisting the family.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.