Gerald D. Schlenker

Gerald D. Schlenker, 81, of Minnewaukan, ND, passed away peacefully, Friday, October 10, 2025, at his home under the care of hospice, after a courageous battle with thyroid cancer.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock, ND with Pastor Cassie Borges officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by 7:00 PM Prayer Service Friday, October 17, 2025 at the North Viking Lutheran Church.  Burial will be at the North Viking Lutheran Cemetery following the reception at the church. 

Gerald was born on April 1, 1944, in Harvey, ND, the son of Jake and Evelyn (Pepple) Schlenker. He grew up in Manfred, ND, attended grade school there, and graduated from Fessenden High School with the Class of 1962.

Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he was employed by Great Plains Supply Company in Maddock and Jamestown.

On July 12, 1969, Gerald was united in marriage to Jeanne Mathieson at North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock, ND. Together, they made their first home in Jamestown. In 1976, Gerald and Jeanne moved to a farm in Aurora Township, between Maddock and Minnewaukan, where they raised their family, farmed small grains, and raised cattle until his retirement in 2019.

Gerald was deeply involved in his community, serving for many years as chairman of Aurora Township and as an active member of both North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock and St. Peter Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan, where he served on the church councils. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 123 in Maddock.

In his leisure time, Gerald enjoyed watching westerns on TV (especially Gunsmoke), reading western novels, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. He and Jeanne spent countless hours together working on jigsaw puzzles and sharing coffee fellowship with friends at North Viking Lutheran Church. Gerald’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He loved attending his sons’ and grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, and theater productions, and was a proud “groupie” of The Silver Lake Freak Show.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne of rural Minnewaukan; three sons, Jay (Linda) Schlenker of Bismarck, Jared (Debra) Schlenker of Devils Lake, and Jeffrey (Jodi) Schlenker of Spiritwood Lake; and seven grandchildren: Paige, Megan, Abigail, Simon, Sophia, Justin, and Jayson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Evelyn Schlenker; sisters, Patricia Hertel and Janice Muscha; nephew, Russel Muscha; and his father- and mother-in-law, Norman and Inez Mathieson.