In Memory of Lester O. Schlender

Lester O. Schlender, age 86, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 30, 2021, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Luann Benge will officiate. Committal Services with Military Rites will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. 

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, masks and social distancing are encouraged. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek & Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

     Lester O. Schlender, the son of Fredrick and Bertha (Knapp) Schlender, was born on September 3, 1934, in Madison, Nebraska. He grew up in Madison on the farm and received his education at Green Garden Parochial School.

     In January of 1955, Lester enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served his country until his honorable discharge in 1959. On August 30, 1959, Lester was united in marriage to Charlotte R. Beckmann in Madison. The couple were blessed with six children: Gary, Darla, Lorie, Shelly, Bobby and Amy. The family made their home in the Atlantic, Iowa, area before eventually settling in Battle Creek, Iowa.

      Lester was employed with Hultgren Implement of Ida Grove, Iowa, as a John Deere Mechanic until his retirement in 2007. He enjoyed participating in couple’s bowling league and dancing with his wife Charlotte in their younger years. In later years, Lester enjoyed spending time with his family, tending his vegetable garden, feeding the birds and squirrels, and watching wildlife.

     Survivors include his children, Darla Rios of Schleswig, IA, Lorie (Keith) Bennigsdorf of Storm Lake, IA, Shelly (Dale) Schiernbeck of Ida Grove, IA, Bobby (Anita) Schlender of Arthur, IA and Amy (Perry) Venteicher of Holstein, IA; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

      Lester was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Bertha Schlender; wife of 58 years, Charlotte Schlender; son Gary Schlender; sisters Viola Wacker and Irene Wetjin; and brother Victor Schlender.