Henry Alan Schlensker

Henry Alan Schlensker, 80, of Evansville, passed away Friday, June 23, 2023 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital. He was born March 6, 1943 to George Jr. and Opal (Jackson) Schlensker.
Henry was a lifelong member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ. He attended Lynch-McCutchanville School. He graduated from North High School in 1961 and enjoyed going to every class reunion. He proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for 4 years after high school. He was born and spent his whole life on the family farm which has been in the family for over 150 years. He married his wife, Elizabeth (Liz), on July 18, 1964. They enjoyed 58 years of dancing, dining, laughing and living their marriage vows until her death in 2022. He cherished his many friendships and was considered a true friend by many. He was always willing to help a friend in need and had a knack for showing up or calling at the exact right time. He was famous for his sense of humor and told many memorable stories, which were sprinkled with bits of truth. He enjoyed being with friends and family, driving a tractor or grain truck, traveling to attend grandchildren's activities and being a helper.
Henry was a 5th generation farmer in Vanderburgh County, spending a lifetime raising corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and beef cattle with his brother, Glen. He was a former President of the National Farmers Organization of Vanderburgh County. He served on the Farm Service Agency committee. In 2014, Henry and his brother were named Vanderburgh County SWCD Farmer of the Year for their conservation efforts. 20 years ago, Liz and Henry started their dirt/mulch business. He was the owner of A P & P Soilmasters LLC.
He was a lifetime member of the McCutchanville Volunteer Fire Department serving 51 years from 1957-2008. He was a member of the Vanderburgh County Fair Association and enjoyed spending time with friends while they cooked hamburgers at Henryville food booth, worked the entry gates or parked cars. He was a former leader of the Vanderburgh County Tractor 4-H Club. In 2017, he was inducted into the Indiana Association of Fairs Hall of Fame. Henry and Liz were awarded the Rural-Urban Award in 1993 in recognition of their service to the Vanderburgh Co 4-H program. He was a member of the Vanderburgh 4-H Center Board of Directors, serving as President 1987-1988. He was a supporter of Warrick County FFA. He was a member of the American Legion Post 351 in Elberfeld, IN.
Henry is survived by his daughters, Sara (Thomas) Petrig and Vicki (Brad) Pitts; grandchildren, Bailey (Kevin McClatchey) Pitts, Joshua (Michelle) Petrig, Jacob (Jackie) Petrig, Lucas (Madison) Petrig, Carli (Clayton) Jerrell, and Dominick Pitts; great-granddaughters, Ella Petrig, Mia Petrig and Marley Petrig; brother, Glen (Diann) Schlensker; and many nieces and nephews, who adored their Uncle Henry.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth (Uhde) Schlensker; his parents; sister, Brenda (Arthur) Schmitt; brother, Robert Schlensker.
A celebration of Henry's life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Rd., Evansville, IN 47725, with Rev. Doug Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery where American Legion Post 351 will conduct Military Rites.
Friends may visit from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711, and again from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vanderburgh 4-H Center Trust Fund, 201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47725 or to Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Road, Evansville, IN 47725.
Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.