Earl C. Schluns

Earl was my father-in-law but I loved him like a father. He was a good man with high ethics, high standards and high morals. A great man by any definition.
I remember when I was moving my wife, Julie (Lucky number 13 in the family) from Iowa to Colorado. Actually, wife to be at the time. Julie had a VW bug that I towed back to Colorado. VW bugs of that time had a specific tow bar that just hooked on the frame with U-bolts. That darn thing would not slide in like it should. It lined up correctly and it measured right but it would not go on. I swear, Earl and I was under that car for an hour trying to hook up that darn tow bar. We both got very frustrated and although a silly moment to remember I have a great memory of working with Earl up close and I feel I got a great impression of Earl the man, not Earl, the father of the women I loved. I think we bonded at that time in a way. Thank you Earl for being you. He took the carberator off of that same car while pulled over on the side of the road in the mountains of Colorado a few years later. He got it running so we could continue on to Craig, Co to visit my parents. Julie and I were sure glad he was behind us. But then he was behind everyone. He was always there to help and to give a hand, whether a family member, a friend or a stranger
Earl you will be missed. You and Bee raised a great family. I personally am grateful you and Bee invited me in to your family like a son. Thanks for giving me your blessing in marrying your daughter, Julie, and I will keep my promise that I made to you.
With Love
Your son-in-law

...Shine Down Upon Us

Can’t think,
Can’t breathe,
Can’t sleep.

“Goodbye, Farewell,
We’ll all miss you.”
As I stand there on the dock,
Wishing you a wonderful
Journey to those
Golden Gates.

They’re spread open,
Wide open,
Just for you, and
Your sophisticated smile,
Your warm embrace,
Your sight-for-sore-eyes.

We all can’t think,
Can’t breathe,
Can’t sleep;
As we await the news
From the stars, in the night,
The sunrays that shine down upon us,
With your grace.

I’m still standing,
Grandpa,
Here on this dock,
Staring into the night,
Up into the sky,
Looking,
Watching,
Waiting.

Grandpa was a lovely man, who lived a blessed life. I will remember you always. You still live on in the hearts and minds, of the loving family you left behind.-Ken

Grandpa it was an honer having you as a grandfather.Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Love your granddaughter Cindy.

My father, the greatest man I have ever known. He never led me in the wrong direction no matter what the situation. He led his life like I would like to lead mine. His family was the most important thing to him. He married the most beautiful person in the world, our mother. He raised 17 children. Everyone of the 17 are amazing people. If there was one thing I could say my father taught me it would be: Always do things the right way. He always did the right thing, no matter how hard it was. I will miss my father more than words can say. He was a great, great man.

We will miss you Granpa!!!!! Love Robert, Karen and Baby Kya Zieschang. Patrica Kitchen oldest daughter.

A Tribute to my father: Earl Christian Schluns

This is a special day as we gather to celebrate the awesome life of our father, husband, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His life with my mother was a true love story of 60 years. It is the power of love that has been witnessed in his last days from all of his children at his side and our mother guiding us with love and courage. This special day is also a tribute to our mother, who throughout the years has shown unconditional love in nurturing our father and their 17 children, including son-in-laws, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This love is contagious and is echoing its way through all of our lives today!

Our great father’s legacy lives on through all of us by the powers of the virtues that he lived his life by. There are over 100 virtues, but the following speak to our father:

Moral Excellence – Our father lived an ethical life with good human conduct distinguishing between right and wrong. It was a very natural way of life for him and one virtue that he instilled in his children – all 17 of us!

Loyalty – Dad’s life was a constant reminder of his loyalty and faithfulness to our mother, his children, his siblings, and his friends. He put aside his own needs to fulfill the needs of his family.

Wisdom – We were always amazed at the wisdom that our dad was gifted with. He had a great sense of practical judgment and common sense. He was so knowledgeable about everything that touched his life from working at DuPont, adding rooms onto our home, remodeling churches, rewiring electrical fixtures, fixing lawn mowers, mixers, coffee pots, car engines, etc. etc. He also had the wisdom to know just the perfect thing so say to fix a broken heart of a friend, a sibling, one of his children or grandchildren, or to his wife. He was truly a sensible, calculating, and prudent man.

Patience – The virtue of patience is one that our father had a natural ability toward. One would have to have patience raising 17 children: always patiently waiting to make his own plate of food at dinner time, using the bathroom, saying prayers with his children before they went to bed several times each night (when all he wanted to do was read the newspaper), waiting for all of us to come downstairs (on time) for Sunday masses, and most recently he practiced this great virtue as his wish to be at home for his last days was carried through.

Truthfulness – Our father was a sincere and truthful person. It was truly his disposition to always tell the truth. In fact he use to say ”you’ll get in more trouble if you don’t tell the truth.” Well that is definitely one of his quotes that I use to this day with my boys! I think it is a very powerful statement.

Fortitude – Dad’s passive courage or fortitude guided him through his life as was evident through his years in the service and living his life with the courage to openly live his beliefs (including his belief in God). He never gave in or gave up to life’s perils, instead he would get up the next day and start all over again.

The last of the virtues our father lived by are Faith, Hope and Love. I grouped these together because you cannot have one without the others. These three virtues are considered to be the Theological Christian Virtues. Living a life with an abundance of faith, hope and love is considered living in perfect balance and harmony by our God. Once again, dad you didn’t let us down. Each of these virtues was engraved in your heart. Maybe that is why your heart was so heavy with grace and fulfilled at the end. You were truly a man filled with balance: faith, hope, and love.
We owe it to this great man to carry out his legacy of living our own lives as he lived each day living and breathing all of these virtues – to set the ultimate example of goodness!


We love you dad!
You had a grace-filled and wonderful life!

We will miss you dad, husband, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Terrie (#8),Steve, Spencer, Stewart, and Andrew Whealon

Wow, what to say. It's hard to even begin to try and express my feelings about the death of my beloved Father. I was so happy to be able to be with Dad and help him with his journey into heaven. I told Dad it was allright to go that I would be there for Mom. I truly miss you Dad, my heart aches with a dullness that will take a long time to go away. You were the best of the best, a kind and loving Dad, who always was there for me and my family. We will miss you. Say hello to Jon for me. Tell him I will see him in heaven someday. Love always and I will miss you. Patti #2

To The Greatest Grandpa EVER,

Thanks for all the GREAT times we have had together, and thanks for coming out here to Colorado. Thank you for giving birth to my Mom otherwise I would not be here today. When ever I visited you in Iowa you were always sitting on your big recliner. I also thank you for taking my family out to burger king when we visited. I remember the samme one we always went to. I always had a blast there.
Love,
Ryan De Valois
P.S. I also like thoose yellow Merygolds!!!

To Our Dearest, Loving Father who watches over ALL of us every minute of our lives until we meet again: I have spend time every night when I get home from work, and I read through these precious messages that we have all written to a very special person in our lives, our DAD!! I shed a tear or two, and then I say a silent prayer. I feel dad is close to all of us and especially close to our mother - letting her know that she will love him forever and ever, as well as all of us will, and as many of us have said, till we meet again. What a celebration that will be, the heavens above better be ready for the SCHLUNS FAMIY!!
Dad, above my computer both at work and here in my home, is our FAMIY picture, which I cherish. You inspire me and for that I can not thank you enough.
WE love you and WE miss you, and you will always be in our hearts, forever and ever.
Linda, Patty, Mary, Jane, Ann, LaVonne, Maureen, Terrie, Marty, Don, Leonard, Robert, Julie, Katie, Lisa, Janine, John and our loving mother, Bernice Elizabeth Schluns.

We have an angel up above in the heavens...We only wish we had realized this when he was beside us on this earth. We are all writing this page as a dedication to our loving grandfather who was always watching over our families. And we are most blessed to know that he still keeps watch over all of us from the heavens now. It is all so true how we can take one for granted until they are no longer with us. Our grandfather was a wonderful caring man who guided our parents, brothers, sisters along the roads of life. He showed us the difference between the rights and the wrongs, to respect and to cherish all we have and to be content with what we have been blessed with.

Even now, when we can no longer see your sweet face or hear your guiding words of wisdom, you are and always will be here with us forever and always. We love and miss you so dearly. If ever we were to be granted a wish, it would be to be with you once again. And we know, one sweet and joyful day, our wish shall be granted.

"43 Years of Memories"
Dad your 40 for a moment, your 13th child is born, and you named her Julie Christine Schluns.
I'm 13 for a moment, starting my teenage years, Dad your 53, working hard at Dupont, around the house, but still finding time to travel the United States with your family during the summer months. There's never a wish better than this, you only have 83 years to live. I'm 22 for a moment, Dad your 62, embracing your 13th child down the isle at Sacred Heart Church to give her your blessings in her marriage. There is never a wish better than this, you only have 83 years to live.
I'm 30 for a moment, family on my mind, I have given birth to my 2nd child. Dad your 70, your witnessing the baptism of another grandchild, there is never a wish better than this you only have 83 years to live. I'm 43 for a moment, time is flying by, surronded by love, witnessing your Last Rights. Dad your 83 for a moment, 60 years of marriage to the love of your life, 17 children, 46 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 15 years of retirement, several trips abroad, and 14 years of traveling to Florida during the winter months. There is never a wish better than this, you only have 83 years to live. With the blink of your eyes, the snow falls, the sun ascends, the moon descends, Dad your 83, dying for just a moment, your last dying wishes to be embraced with your children praying around you. There is never a wish better than this, you only have 83 years to live. I'm moving on dad, I'm dreaming, counting the ways to where you are, 13 there's time for you, 22 I'm embraced with you, 30 I bring new life, and at 43 I witness your death. There is never a wish better than this, after all you only have 83 years to live.
I Love You; Julie #13

To my Dad: I hope I am as fortunate to lead the rest of my life as a man that was always there when his family needed him. You were a very forgiving father and showed me great love thru thick and thin. My Dad was always willing to lend a helping hand and showed his trust in me, That meant alot! He lead a good honest life and taught me many lessons over the years. I will use Dad as my role model to be the father he was, quick to boot me in the right direction but also loving,caring and understanding. I love you Dad and will keep you close. Don Schluns #10

"YOU SURE DID IT RIGHT!"

I remember when you helped Janine & I put marlite in a bathroom at our house on Pershing. You drove me nuts how slow you were. I kept thinking 'come on, it can't take this long to measure/cut and hang'. Then I noticed you swept & cleaned up after every cut. I was banging my head on the wall thinking 'I was wasting my whole day off doing something I could of slapped up in an hour or two'. When you left, Janine & I looked at the job we did together, we couldn't believe how nice it looked, plus there was no mess for Janine to pick up. I bet that marlite is still hanging today, without you it might have fallen a long time ago. YOU SURE DID IT RIGHT!!

Another time I called you to help install an electric stove hook-up in our home on Main Ave, as it only had gas. You took your time to show me how to run 220 to the kitchen and I mean you took your time. Once again, I was banging my head on the wall thinking 'there is no way this can take this long'. Janine & Bernice were in the front room watching Dr. Quinn and a few other shows. You showed me everything and made me do it, the right way. By the time you left we had a working stove and once again no clean-up for Janine. YOU SURE DID IT RIGHT!!!

I was sitting in the back row of your visitation watching your wonderful sons & daughters pour out their love - telling stories of their past. Tears were flowing. It was, in a strange way, a wonderful time in your life. YOU SURE DID IT RIGHT!!!

I see myself and Janine showing our children how to do things as you showed us, maybe not as slow or as clean as you. Even in your passing YOU ARE STILL DOING IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Dear Grandpa,

The memories we had with you in Florida were great. We remember the marble game we all played in the trailer, that was fun. We will miss those trips to Florida A LOT.

We also loved visiting you and Grandma in Clinton because it always meant a trip to McDonalds or BurgerKing. We will continue to visit Grandma and see that she continues this tradition.

We loved when you came to our home on special occasions (Birthdays/1st Communions/Easter).

We will always remember you, always love you, will keep you in our thoughts and will pray for grandma.

Your favorite Grand-Son and Grand-Daughter from #16.

Dad I have never been so proud to be your son, I have read all the entries in your book, WOW! What an accomplished life, You made such an impact on your family, a true legacy We shall all keep with us. You and Mom have been the most amazing parents, you welcomed Gail and I's new family without hesitation, you were the first to put out your arms and bring our kids into this great family, Every time i see Jenny, Jon or Noah's face i will remember all the great things You and Mom did for My family. Thanks for being MY DAD. Your son Marty #9

DEAR GRANDPA EARL: I REMEMBER YOU BEING A STRONG INDIVIDUAL. WHEN SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE, IT WAS DONE. AND I DON'T MEAN IT TOOK 3 WEEKS EITHER. IT WAS DONE. I HOPE TO WORK ON THAT VERY TRAIT. LOVE AND MISS YOU, YOUR GRANDSON NEIL CRIDER

DEAR GRANDPA: WHEN CHARLIE WAS SICK YOU AND GRANDMA WERE A BIG HELP TO MY PARENTS DURING THAT TIME. YOU STEPPED IN AND NEVER TURNED BACK. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT. CHARLIE SAID THAT YOU WERE A MOUNTAIN. HE'S RIGHT. MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU, MELISSA LYNN CRIDER AND SONS DEREK AND DEVEN CRIDER.

DEAR DAD; DORREEN AND I WILL MISS YOU ALOT. YOU ALWAYS HAD THE RIGHT ANSWER FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING WE NEEDED TO KNOW. WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU. YOUR #12 BOY,ROBERT SCHLUNS

Earl-I will always remember what a loving and caring man you were. I will miss you very much.

Grandpa-I remember last year when you helped me with my Iwo Jima school project. You told me a lot of stuff, and after I remember feeling very proud of you and I told you by email, but after you read it you emailed back and said that you were more proud of me. I realized that was just the kind of guy you were. I will miss you a lot.

My Dear Great Father,

It’s almost been a month and I wonder how you are doing. I am positive your spirit is around me everyday. Please forgive me for not being able to come to see you, I have grandchildren to grow up with and many wonders to see in my travels as we began our near retirement years. Hopefully I will be able to live my life as you did.

I have many things that I want to tell you. I want to tell you that I love you very much. You are the best father in the world. When I was a little girl, for a long time I truly believed that you were the most knowledgeable person I knew. If there was anything I didn't know, I was pretty sure that dad would know. I believed that you were the most experienced person on any occasion. After I went into my adulthood, every time I faced any difficulties, your encouragement always accompanied me. I realized that the word "dad" became a powerful symbol to me. Dad, I do not know if you realize what a great deal of influence you gave me for all my life. I just want to let you know how important you are to me and how much I love you. Thank you so much.

Earl, thru the years of owning homes, many times you helped me on several of our home repair projects.I know you will remember the home that we bought "as is". With your help, even if it was bringing one of your son's, that home was considered the most beautiful home on the block. I couldn't of done it without you! Everyone that you helped knew who they were getting and knew it was going to be done the right way. Your generosity of your knowledge was much appreciated. The world is a lesser place without you in it and you will solely be missed. Give me strength when I do a job whether it be at my home, Tina's, Rachael's, Sara's, or anyone else that needs a hand or two. I love to help my children,it's wonderful to feel needed. Someday in the future we will meet again.....

TO MY DEAR FATHER: WHAT LEONARD WROTE WAS BEAUTIFUL AND WHAT I COULD NOT SAY, HE DID. RON WILL MISS YOU AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY DAD. LOVE, YOUR #5 CHILD, ANN HELEN SCHLUNS WHITE

Grandpa-

I want to say thank you for all of the words of wisdom and pearls of information you have shared with me over the years. They have truly meant the world to me. I think I most appreciated the annual scouting report and discussions we would have on the big ten football teams and NCAA basketball tournament. This was something special that I could always count on sharing with you each year. As you said in one of your letters, “now remember if you can’t get on a winning team, get a transfer to Iowa”. And I will never forget the funniest letter you ever sent me with the rubber three dollar bill from gambler’s anonymous and a letter on how Grandma would not let you bet anymore because you kept losing to me! I remember laughing so hard that day at school! I’ve saved several of these letters for the day when I can tell my children about their great-grandfather, just the way you and Grandma would tell me stories about my great-grandparents.

I’ll also always remember the countless visits to our houses (all across the US), where you would arrive, toolbox in hand, to repair (or many times construct) something around the house. We always knew you had been there, Dad’s tools would be organized again and the door would finally shut properly. You and Dad would be lost in the garage or basement for hours working on whatever, and then it was time for a nap in a chair for you both.

I’m very happy to know that you are at peace, up in heaven with all of our family who have passed away. And I’m certain you are fixing something up there. I’ll keep up with the Iowa recruits in the meantime so we have more to discuss when I see you again. Until then, I miss you dearly and love you. And I will know you are here watching over the family anytime we may need you.

Love always, Susan

Earl
You have been a father, father – in - law, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and mentor to the entire family. The memories have been great over the years like; Camping out in the mountains of NH, camping in our back yard in CT, building the door and shelving in PA together so to speak, installing GFI’s in PA when you told Marty and I “Boys just put it back together, it won’t work because of how they wired the house” and the memories go on and on.
More recently, our conversations were about Tiger and your amazement with him. Almost, every weekend when he was on, you were glued to the TV to watch him. Well now you’re at peace and are watching over all of us. I will miss greatly our talks and laughs together. I will never forget one of the last times we talked together in Florida.
Your loving Son – In – Law
Chuck

I have already signed this guestbook once, but its been almost a month since you passed and I cant stop thinking about you. Maybe its because you keep popping up in my dreams! Last night, when I was sleeping, you were in my dreams...and I was the only one who could see you. You handed me a peppermint candy, and asked me to give it to grandma. :) I woke up feeling sad, but also grateful that I have continued to see you at least once a week since you have passed!!! I love you

Dearest Earl,
We met you and Bernice when Chuck & Linda lived in CT for that few years and had many a good time when you were here in the camper just reminiscing and eating a burger or dog and drinking a beer. We know God will bless you and your beautiful family and surely he has sent many angels to lift you to Heaven! Thank you for blessing us with knowing you and your great family!!
Love,
Pete & Kathy Fazio

I attempted to read this Eulogy at the funeral but could not. A few siblings asked that I include in this guest book.

I feel it an honor to be here to represent my Family to say a final goodbye, losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we can go through, so much more if it is a parent. No words can express what we are feeling right now and I’m sure only time can help us come to terms with our loss.

Your Husband
Our Father
Our Grandfather
Your brother in-law
and your friend:

Earl Christian Schluns - had the virtues of small-town America: sincerity, honesty and integrity.

My father was a hard man to dislike. I know it's common at a funeral to only remember the good things, to omit the things that would embarrass someone. But in my father's case, the most remarkable thing that can be said is that there is no bad.

To his friends he was a very kind person and was always ready to help. He was a very generous man that never wanted to be acknowledged for anything he did. When he helped he simply helped. As many of you can attest; when you were a friend of our parents then you were simply treated like their 18th child.

To us kids we will remember the strict manner in which he ran the house. He was one of those hard working fathers that always got his way. His words were the law in our house. We all respected his authority not realizing he was already teaching us one of the most valuable lessons in life, standing up for what you believe in. As I grew older, I slowly understood why he treated us like that. And I also discovered that he was a very compassionate and kind person. I learned that the most important thing that he had was us, his family. Though he rarely said it out loud I know that he was really proud of what we have become. We are who we are now because we had a father like him.

If I could see my dad one more time, I would tell him that I love him, that I am so proud of the life he led, and that I will keep him in my heart always.

I have no doubt all of you felt exactly the same;

God Bless you all

Until recently I didn't understand what it meant to be a rock, your family can rely on. I was thinking to myself if I could choose any one person in my family to discuss what it meant to be a father and a husband in times of trouble, hardships, or just day to day life. I would've chosen my grandfather, for he was a Mountain.

DEAR DAD: I JUST READ SEVERAL ENTRIES FROM THE PEOPLE THAT KNEW AND LOVED YOU. YOU LEFT US WITH GREAT MEMORIES. YOU WERE ALSO A JACK OF ALL TRADES. THIS TRAIT YOU PASSED ONTO YOUR MANY CHILDREN. FOR EXAMPLE: MARTY AND JOHN CAN FIX THE PLUMBING; DON, REPAIRS CARS; JANE CAN STAIN JUST ABOUT ANYTHING. LISA HAS YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS. ANN, JANINE AND KATIE KNOW HOW TO TALK CALMLY; LINDA AND I MAKE GREAT SUPERVISORS. WE ALSO KNOW HOW TO KEEP A PROMISE. MOM WILL NEVER BE BORED. YOU TAUGHT US WELL. YES, I MISS YOU, BUT I MUST LET YOU GO. LOVE YOU, YOUR #3 CHILD, MARY SCHLUNS CRIDER AND MY FAMILY ALLEN, MELISSA, CHARLIE AND NEIL CRIDER

To my loving father who is dearly missed by everyone that you have touched:

Dad a day does not go by that I do not sit down and reflect on all of my memories throughout our lives. As the oldest, I moved out of the house at a very young age (18) and I remember what you always said, "You will be fine, make me proud to be your father", "your life has now begun, soon you will be a mother, than you will be a grandmother", my how true all that is. I have accomplished alot in my 59 years and it is all because of you and mom, you did an awesome job raising 17 children. You were always there for each and every one of us, I can even remember the time I called in desperation because my water heater had gone and Chuck was in Hong Kong, you and I think it was Marty came right to Marengo, Ill. where we were living and fixed it. I will always remember those special moments and special events, for ever and ever.
Dad, I really miss you but I know that you are sitting right up there in the heavens and watching out for all of us. As I said to you that very last time I spoke to you, you will always be very special to me, and I will always have a very dear spot in my heart for you.
I love you and I miss you. Linda and I want to add Chuck, my devoted husband who puts up with me, Susan and Rick our children, and our precious grandchildren, Nickolas and Ian Michael Dietterich.

Grandpa, We have so many fond memories of visiting you and Grandma in Florida. Those days will never be forgotten. You and Grandma traveled across every State to come visit us...from North Carolina to Maine to Washington. Our memories will always be remembered until we meet again in Heaven. Grandpa, do they have lobster in Heaven? Send your warmth to Grandma in your special way so she knows you are present. Say hello to Uncle Fred. Alex, Aaron and Megan Watt

Miss You!!

Dad,
I always knew you were a special man. The things you accomplished amazed me, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and your of love cars. Simply amazing!
We had a opportunity to visit after the 60th anniversary and I'll never forget your war stories that you shared with me that day. It suddenly occured to me that I was in the presents of a true HERO!
Your loving son-in-law,
Mike Voss

Dad, we sure miss you. We did the best we could for you. Now, we must help MOM thru her great sorrow. Ours prayers are now for the living. Im sure you understand.von

It was said best at his funeral, he is and will always be a GREAT Man. We all knew it was coming, but none of us really could have prepared ourselves for it. We all proved to Dad during his last month how important family is and that we are all here for him and mom, just as they have always been there for us. We will meet again someday, but until we do - please watch over all your loved ones down here on earth, especially mom! I love and miss you deerly!! #16 (AKA Baby Girl)

Grampa,
I still to this day remember when I was a little Boy and you let me sit in your lap and drive your old blue and white pickup truck. Now its just speeding ticket after speeding ticket! Best time a young grandson could ever ask for. With all my love!

Bernice and family,

We have such great memories of Earl. We were so sad to hear of his passing. He helped us at our first home in South Minneapolis, and he helped us at our cottage in Northern Wisconsin. He was so talented electrically and just all around knew how to do so much! I think he even helped put the roof on one of the cabins up north. He was such a sweet and kind and giving man. We have fond memories of years ago Bernice, when we would get together with you and Earl with Steve and Terrie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. May God grant you strength during this difficult time and may the many many beautiful memories of Earl bring you comfort and joy.
With much love,
Tim, Kathy, Will and Jack Wahlers

My Dad, I will miss you very much, I will watch over Mom and try to be as good a husband,father,granpa,as you were, You will always be with me. Your son Marty

I didn't know Earl very well, but do know his daughter, Maureen Voss.
We have been friends for over 30 years, and I love her dearly, so she and her family are in my prayers and thoughts. I know Earl is in a much better place now.

I love you Gramps!!! This past week was a rough one, but it was so beautiful to see everyone come together. We have such an awesome family. I remember calling gramps, and at the end of the conversation, he would always say, "Love you stephie."
God Bless everyone that has helped my grandparents! He will always be remembered and always missed.

Dear Aunt Bea and All, I was saddened to hear of your loss. Earl was an exceptional person and you and he were a positive part of my early life and, I am sure, to so many others over the years. It was great to see you and Earl last spring when my Dad passed away. I have been experiencing some great memories about Earl's good nature, ready smile and quiet influence. My sincere condolences to all who knew and loved Earl at this time of loss. Be well, Gene

Lisa & Family,
My deepest condolences. May God be with you all at this very difficult time. Stay strong. My thoughts are with you.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Janine & family-So sorry about your dad, even though you knew it was coming, it's not any easier. Take care and let me know if you need anything.
Cathy Banks

John ~ we are sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Chris and Aimee Hammel

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Dear Bernice: I don't know where to start. First, you have my deep felt sympathy. We have been friends and neighbors for a lot of years. Earl was the pillar of the community, especially of the neighborhood on 3rd Ave. S. and 6th Street. I am so glad you and Earl got to come and see our new house and visit with me one day a year or so ago. I am glad you and Earl got to go to Florida as many years as you did. I have always treasured our friendship and enjoyed seeing you walk by my house when I lived so close. When we get back to town I will be sure and call you for lunch. You have had a wonderful family all these years and you have them to help you through this sad time. I am so sorry I will not be able to come to the wake or funeral, take care I will talk to you soon, Love, Wanda

His sense of humor was proof positive that humor shows our sense of balance. He always seemed to find something nice to say, even years after I knew him as Patty & Mary's dad.

We love you and miss you Dad and Grandpa.
Thank you for all you've done for us, and meant to us.
Please say Hi to Saint Peter.
Love the "Omaha" Whealon's!

Earl was a fine man from a wonderful family. He will be missed, but be proud for a life of greatness.

Grandpa, I love you so much and will miss you. You were such a wonderful man and did a wonderful job raising 17 children. You will always be remembered.

You will be missed.
We all love you very much.

Grandpa you were the best anyone could ever ask for! You and grandma did a wonderful job raising 17 of the most beautiful children! I will always miss you and love you greatly!
Love Elizabeth

To the whole family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of us at this time of grief. Though we are all sad we still have found time to laugh and have fun. Listening to all of your memories and laughing with you has been joyful. We will always remember Grandpa Schluns and what he taught each of us. Grandpa was a wonderful, loving, intelligent man. May he always live is our hearts. We shall meet again!!!
I LOVE YOU ALL
Jessi

Marty and Families, What a family! I have not met you all, but for those of you whom I met threw school, work or my family (Rogis and Lutz) your are all loving, strong, and a good family. I just want you to know our hearts and prayers are with each and every one of you.

Deanne (Teeter Lutz) Ketelsen
Daughter of Diane and Ollie Lutz
Niece of Gene and Pauline Rogis

I am proud to say I am one of his sons. I will always remember who he is. For he still lives in all of our hearts. He lived a full life. He will be missed by many. I Love you Dad.

It was so nice to see Grandpa back in August. I am so glad I got to travel there to see him Smile with ALL his Wonderfull Family around! He all ways knew what Family was and would be! He never missed a beat and allways got the last line in! I love you grandpa and We will see in the Great Future!

Rick, Mona, Nick, Ian Dietterich

Just wanted to let the family know we are sorry for your loss you are ALL in our thoughts and prayers.

Bernice and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was a very special husband, father and friend to all. I have many special memories of summers spent in your home. Even with a large family you were willing to welcome others into your home, family and hearts. I know he will be watching over all of you proudly from above. I wish I was closer so I could be with you but know that I am there in thought. Love and Prayers to you all.

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of the patriarch of the family. Our thoughts and sympathy are with each and every one of you at this time. We were happy to have met him and so many of you through Jes and Andy. Peace and Good Will to you all.

WOW!! What a life you have lived. We are so proud of you and your accompolishments, and PROUD to be part of your life.
The family is gathering to celebrate your life and your journey to heaven. We'll meet again someday.
Love,
Maureen

Robert and Leonard,
Sorry for such a loss during this time of year. Know that your dad's spirit lives in each of you and your siblings. God Bless!

Robert and Leonard,
Sorry for such a loss during this time of year. Know that your dad's spirit lives in each of you and your siblings. God Bless!

Bernice and family: Sorry for your loss. You and Earl have always been an inspiration to me from the first time I met you at the YMCA in Mary Jane's aerobics class. God Bless you all.

Sandy Herrington

Sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Words do not exist for the feelings we have but somehow we know you can feel them and hope they bring you comfort.
We are sorry for your loss.
Dave, Missey and Zachary Pope

Losing your loved one during the Holiday's can be especially painful. Knowing others care can be comforting during this time. My prayers and sympathy go to all of you.

Aunt Bea and all of our cousins, we are all very sorry for your loss. Uncle Earl was a special person. We had many special visits at your home as we were growing up. We are all so glad we were able to stop and see him a couple of weeks ago when we were all in town, we had a great visit with him. Our hearts go out to all of you at this difficult time. The children of the late Walter (Paul) & Betty Schluns; Nancy, Carol, Pam, Deb, Tim, Mike and our recently departed brother Paul and all of our family's

Grandpa was a wonderful man that had many accomplishments in life. He will be greatly missed by every one.

Our deepest sympathy.
The Lassaux's

Earl and Bernice's home was always a wonderful place for me to visit with my parents when I was growing up. It was always full of activity, but most important, it was full of a family made up of love and support for one another and all of those close to them. Having the Schluns family in my life has always been a great blessing!
Carol Hallberg

To the Schluns family- Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I only met Earl a few times but I did thank him for having such a wonderful family. It's was an honor to know him and it is an honor to be friends with his family.

My sincere sympathy to the whole family at this most difficult time. My prayers are for you all. This man tought me many skill over 30 years of being in the family I will miss Earl greatly.

unable to to get out because of health,but want to tell you Earl was one of the good guys. always enjoyed his company.

I agree with Tina on that Grandpa was the human map for sure!! Anyway, I will miss all of the nice visits in the formal living room with Grandpa in his favorite spot - his rocking chair (which no one was aloud to sit in! ha ha) You will be dearly missed by all of your wonderful family! Love You! Rachael

Thank you Mr. Schluns for your service to our country. Our Heavenly Father has welcomed home another heroic American. From a fellow veteran.

Brian and I send our thoughts, prayers, and love to all of you.

Dearest Schluns Family, my deepest sympathy to all. Both my Mother and Father have also gone to live with the Lord. Dad passed away on Dec 22nd, so I know how sad the Season may seem. You are such a beautiful and loving Family. You will heal. Just about every sister in my family attended Sacred Heart School with one of you. I attended with Marty. I will remember your Father in prayer.
Peace and Love
Regina

Lisa, God bless you and your family.

Kevin M. Konrad

I will always remember my Grandpa Earl ("Gramps")as a the human Map. He could tell you which Hwy's to take to get from California to New York in a blink of an eye. Grandpa - enjoy the after life and remember to always guide me to my future destinations (Mapquest isn't always accurate!) Love and Miss you.....

I would like to thank my beautiful niece Racheal for putting together this guest book. Thank You :0)

It is a loss, but he left behind many wonderful memories. He was the foundation of our family and we often see his traits instilled in all of us.

Take Care.

#15

Grandpa; It was our pleasure to know and love you. We will always remember you for the loving and giving man you proved to be. We love you and will think of you daily.

Earl had a beautiful life with his loving wife and family.May he rest in peace with his God in heaven.Berneice my love and prayers to you and you family. A Mass for Earl will be said at Our Lady of the Snows in Bedlleville,Il
Carolyn Ziegler in Arizona.

Thanks so much for your service to this country and the fine family you and your wife have created. May God be with you.

Sometimes words just aren't enough and I wished I knew just what to say to make it all better. But it is better. I will see him again someday. When? No one knows. I am only sorry to see us all hurt, for I do know he would want a celebration. He will get just that. May we all be comforted by the many many warm thoughts of our Father and remember all of the times that made our family an extra special family. Love to all, Jane #4

Bernice, Please accept condolences
from two of your oldest friends of
fifty plus years. Earl was more of a brother than a friend. Now the memories of all our times together come flooding back. We love you. Ed and Ronnie

Our sincere sympathy to the whole family at this most difficult time. Our prayers are for you all.