Laurene Faith Schlesener

Laurene’s life began on July 22, 1932, in McPherson, KS. She was the daughter of Leith and Ruth (Thompson) Crilly. Laurene graduated from Galva High School in 1950. She was united in marriage to Virgil E. Schlesener on November 2, 1952, in Galva.

Laurene was a top salesperson for Avon Products for over 40 years. She and her husband were also the owners of the West Walnut Market in Herington. Laurene was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church (Shadybrook) for many years and active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She was a 4-H leader, teaching cooking, and a lifetime member of the Sunny Sues EHU. Laurene received the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tri county Chamber of Commerce for the years her and her husband, Virgil, owned the West Walnut Market. Laurene had the joy of babysitting all her grandchildren and enjoyed all their activities. She was very community minded and enjoyed socializing with neighbors for card nights and going to polka dances.

Her loving family includes her children Daryl (Leslie) Schlesener of Herington, and Vikki (Larry Rowe) Sullivan of Herington; grandchildren Brandi (Kile) Krause of Denver, Darin (Beth) Schlesener of Hope, Dena (Justin) Hall of Colwich, Tandi (Jeremy) Reiff of Abilene, and Curtiss (Lisa) Schlesener of Herington; great grandchildren Rachel, Amelia, Brenton, Clara, Sumner, Zoe, Camden, Alex, Aleah, Maddy, Wyatt, Pierce, Tyson, Naomi and Cali.

 Laurene passed away on Monday July 22, 2024, on her 92nd birthday at Morris County Hospital. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Don and Robert Crilly and Barbara Wigington. Her family will gather with friends on Monday July 29, 2024, from 9-10 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church (Shadybrook) where her funeral will be held at 10 a.m. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory at www.yazelmeglifh.com.