Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Stephen Schleis Obituary
He raised his five children in a modest three-bedroom home that he and his wife built in Barberton. Their love made it a castle.
Steve broke his back serving in the Navy during World War II. For 30 years, he found comfort sleeping on the living room floor. Each morning, his children rolled him over so he could crawl to the corner and "walk" himself up the wall. Then we sent him off to work two factory jobs so we could afford private school and an in-ground swimming pool and basketball court on our quarter-acre lot -- things he was far too busy to ever enjoy.
He wouldn't eat until everyone in his household had their plates full. He never complained if he missed out on the apple pie or the warm rolls. Even at the end, confused by dementia and eating pureed food, he wouldn't take a bite without whispering: "You first."
As a younger man, he wrote poetry and loved to fish. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling and watching sports and western movies. He celebrated Christmas to excess, his home a wonderfully tacky beacon of light. His humor was unforgettable, and all who knew him could recite punch lines he delivered throughout his life.
Two years ago, ignoring the prison of his Parkinson's Disease, he took up painting, leaving every child and grandchild a beautiful framed reminder of his love.
Steve was born in the tiny Stark County hamlet of Aultman, retired from Goodyear Aerospace and was a member of Holy Trinity Church until its recent closing.
He is survived by his wife, RoseAnn; his children, Susanna (Jerry) Freeman of Bath Township, Tom of Akron, Barb (Dave) Yoder of Barberton, Paula Schleis of Barberton, and Mike (Loretta) of Akron. He also leaves behind a sister, Clara Rohrer of North Canton, 30 grandchildren and great- grandchildren, and numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and friends who thought the world of him.
Calling hours will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at Cox Funeral Home, 222 Norton Ave. in Barberton, with services at 2 p.m. Father Carl Ciprian will officiate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Schleis
Sponsored by loving family and friends.
Susanna
October 8, 2021
Hi daddy....
I sure do miss you and mom. I wish I could talk to you for one day. But you are both always in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of Kevin up there and don't let him get away with too much.
Susanna Freeman
October 9, 2020
Miss you pop! I’d love to have one day to
Sit and have your arms around me. I always felt so safe and loved. Love you more now than ever.
Susanna
Susanna Freeman
October 8, 2019
Hi Daddy,
Boy you are talked about constantly and your life has people in stitches even now. What a wonderful life that you can be remembered for the joy and love you gave. I miss you pops. More than I ever let anyone know. I still can fill your arms around me when I was a little girl and you telling me how special I was. You had the knack of letting everyone know they were important in your life. Just how you treated people was the most special character trait I know. Hope you and mom are riding the clouds and seeing the world. I know you would be proud of us sibs and how we have gotten so much closer and do things together. THAT is amazing to me. We hang onto each other as you and mom taught us to. I have you and mom in my heart and soul everyday.
I love you. I still hear you singing you are my sunshine to me like you did all the time.
Susanna
me at 67 sure do miss my dad he passed 4/26/04
Julie Downs
May 7, 2014
thank you for your service from an army brat, [email protected]
December 27, 2012
:(... really could use a sit down with you Pops,I miss coming over during the day and talking to you, im still talking hope your hearing. i love you Pops need you guidance more than ever, My hero always!
Cinderella
January 25, 2012
Happy Anniversary Daddy... miss you to bits!! You filled our lives with so much love.. ty daddy... give mommy kisses!!
November 16, 2011
Hi daddy....
It is going to be my birthday soon and I am thinking of you and mom. I remember about this time of year when I took you to Akron University to hear the orchestra for that Christmas Season. I can't remember the name of it but it had ALLELUIA in it ....and later I gave you a CD with all the songs on it. Dang..I will remember it when I stop typing...I am getting old too! :))) That was our night out and it was fun and you were smiling and happy to be there. YOU know what I mean so that is all I care about! :)))
You and mom must be happy to be together again...take care of each other...
We miss you and you are in my prayers and thoughts daily. I talk to you and mom everyday...I hope you hear me. Love you Pops!
Susanna
cinderella
October 27, 2011
your so handsome daddy.. i miss your smile, your jokes, you were my everything growing up... i love you my daddy... crying because i miss you .. (shut the hell up) xoxoxox wish i could hear you say that again:) your the bestest daddy in the whole world!
Paula Schleis
August 12, 2011
Tchdoin? Gosh pops, I'd give anything to spend one more day with you. Remember going to Northfield with me to bet on the horse races? I'm gonna go tonight. Gonna bet on any horse that has some little detail that reminds me of you! Give mommy a big hug for me. See you in my dreams, k?
March 18, 2011
dad.. cmere and give me a smootch xoxox
Susanna Freeman
February 17, 2011
Hi daddy,
Gee I didn't realize this was still here. Gosh I bet you and mom are happy unhindered with health problems and able to do the things you couldn't do down here. Do they have any corn fields up there? If they do I bet you and mom are making up for lost time! :))))
I realize time on earth down here is a drop in the bucket in life...so until we can meet up again ...remember how much we all love you and will never forget....you and mom live in our hearts and memories forever!
Susanna
February 16, 2011
HI daddy!! I know your so happy now to have mommy with you! How happy it makes me that my mom and dad are together again xoxox We feel you and mommy with us every day daddy, I love you so much! Wont be long dad and we will all be together again, until then.. keep on smootchin:)
Paula Schleis
April 13, 2010
Hi Daddy. Just got back from Myrtle Beach and we stayed in the same condo. We felt your presence the whole time. Sometimes it made us feel happy remembering you there. Sometimes the memories brought us to tears. But I heard your voice in the ocean, and I saw your smile in the sunshine, and I felt your touch in the sand between my toes. I can get overwhelmed thinking I have to face the next 30 years on Earth without you, but I pray I never lose the ability to sense you're there. I love you daddy.
Paula Schleis
December 15, 2009
I know you're still here with us dad, but sure wish we could put our arms around you. Missing you lots today.
Mike Schleis
October 27, 2009
I miss you pops! You were my hero that I will miss from my life every day. I once told you that if i could just be half the man you were i would consider my life a success.Thats not possible! Forever in my heart,Forever in my mind.R.I.P. poppa, you still the Man!
Jennifer
October 21, 2009
I am missing you tonight Grandpa, so many memories flood my mind. I am so lucky, so blessed to have called you Grandpa. XOXOXOX
October 20, 2009
Toni Grand Speed
Sue Sekusky
October 16, 2009
Yoders, barb dave and the hole fam. I want you to know i love you all. You guys ae my family. I remember it was either labor day or memorial day i went with barbie and u all to a cook out at ur parents house barb, and they are the most kind people i have ever met including you all. Your family is amazing, and it has to start from the top of the tree. MY prayers are with you all, and i am always here if you ever need a thing. Love you
Toni Clark
October 16, 2009
Tom and Family, I was sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you. Toni
October 16, 2009
GRANDPA, WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU YOU ARE THE BEST GRANDPA EVER IT'S NOT THE SAME FOR YOU NOT TO BE HEAR WITH US. WE LOVE YOU GRANDPA AND MISS THE WONDERFUL YOU.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS YOUR THE BEST EVER LOVE YOU R.I.P LOVE,JEFF,SHAELYN AND BRANDON
Terresa Bard-Hager
October 15, 2009
To you all who were family to me as I was growing up. I loved your grandpa as if he were my own and I will miss him. I am so happy I was given the priveledge to have known him. I remember conversations we would have in the kitchen and just how welcome he made me feel. He was a great man. I'm so sorry in your loss, but remember he will be watching down and waiting for you all.
Terresa
Rick Mitchell
October 15, 2009
Mike,
I am sorry for your loss. I will never forget your dad carting us to and from Holy Trinity, either for school or basketball practice, in that big green Chevy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rickey Mitchell
October 15, 2009
Grandpa,
You were such an important person in my life. You left us with enough love and memories to last us another 84 years. Seeing this obituary sure makes this seem so much more real than it did the day before.. and I can't stop crying when I think of never seeing your face again till we meet in heaven. Watch over Grandma.. love u bunches and bunches!!!
Auta
doug harris
October 15, 2009
so sorry to hear about your loss, i loved him. he was a great man. soory i did not find out about it til thursday we were out of town. love to all of you and especially your mom, love, doug
angel glass
October 15, 2009
Uncle Steve will be missed by ALL who knew him! God Bless Everyone!
Craig & Cheryl Hinebaugh
October 15, 2009
Thomas and Family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
There could not have been a better person to emulate as a parent than your father. Always smiling and eager to give a helping hand.
May God comfort you all in your grief.
David Buitt
October 15, 2009
Susanna:
I was sorry to hear your dad passed away. I know you will miss him in the future. Just remember all of the great memories and you will remember He is in a heavenly place.
Much love
David
K.D.
October 15, 2009
Susanna and family, Your Dad must have been one of those humans that contributed lots of love and humor to everyday life. I hope your sadness will be short-lived and the memories of your Dad will make you smile every day of your life.
Eva Smith
October 15, 2009
"I never met him, but he sounded amazing. My sympathies are with all of you. May God bless and keep you, as I know he is keeping your Father. Susanna, I will be praying for you and your family."
Mimi Hiller
October 15, 2009
JB and I are so sorry to hear of your loss, and from reading this beautiful tribute, the loss must be huge. Our condolences and love go out to you and your extended family.
Mimi & JB Hiller
Mick Rohrer
October 15, 2009
Steve Schleis was a wonderful and decent man, someone who I am proud to have called Uncle. Regrets, but warm wishes as well, to Aunt RoseAnn and their "kids," my cousins, in this time of grieving.
Jenny Sweet
October 14, 2009
Paula,
God Bless you and your family. I only had the priviledge of meeting you father once, but I know his love for everyone came through you, a tradition that continues through you.
Jenny Sweet
Susan
October 14, 2009
He was the type of person you immediately liked when you met him. He was the only grandpa I ever knew, and he was very welcoming and kind. His great sense of humor, charm and warmth will be missed.
Kelly
October 14, 2009
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. I know he will be miss by you all! Much love to everyone. XOXO
Thrity
October 14, 2009
oh, paula, marybeth just gave me the news. i'm so sorry; i know how much he loved you and what he meant to you. but what a difference you made in his life and how much satisfaction there must be in knowing this. i'm out of town on friday... and will miss the memorial but will be thinking of all of you...i still remember the tomatoes from his garden that he'd given me (god, they were big and delicious) and the many happy times including the time we went to ken stewarts and they ordered the surf and turf and you did a double-take when you saw the bill but didn't let on. you are a good human being and i hope your sadness also has dollops of joy in it. please convey my love to wonderfu your mom and the rest of your family. much much love.
October 14, 2009
I also did not have the good fortune of ever knowing your father, but was inspired by his legacy which was so thoughtfully penned by his family. What a wonderful example of humility and sacrifice. His love and example will forever be with you. My sincerest condolences for your loss.
October 14, 2009
What a beautiful soul. What a marvelous man. What a loving family. Thinking of you all.
Love Kim, Chris, Alex, Jennifer, and, in spirit, Brooke McMahan
John Olesky
October 14, 2009
Paula:
I am sorry for your loss.
After reading your Dad's obituary I feel like I missed something wonderful in life by not meeting him. As a Navy man who paid for that experience with back pain the rest of his life, he is a hero to me, too, an integral part of The Greatest Generation of World War II. Your devotion to your father tells me that his personality rubbed off on you and the rest of his family. That is his marvelous legacy.
Again, I am sorry for your family's loss. Your mother, RoseAnn, in particular, since I know first-hand how it feels to lose a long-time spouse.
John Olesky, Beacon Journal (1969-96)
Jan Adams
October 14, 2009
Dear family of Stephen,
I have never met any of you, but from reading the obit of Stephen, I couldn't help but write a note saying how sorry I am at his passing. He sounded like a truly generous and loving man, and the best role model in the world! Remember... When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure!
Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Schleis's name
Memorial Events
for Stephen Schleis
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Schleis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
