Karol Schlenker, 78, Montpelier, ND, died Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Ave Maria Village in Jamestown, ND. Visitation will be 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, February 23 at Good Shepherd Chapel, Ave Maria Village with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Adrian. Burial in Adrian Cemetery.
Karol Jean Schlenker was born January 4, 1940 to Henry and Bea (Knudson) Schrader in Marion, ND. She received her education at Adrian and Dickey public schools, graduating in 1957. She attended Valley City Teachers College and then later in life, Valley City State University, earning her degree to become a teacher. She was joined in marriage to Allen Schlenker, son of Taphiel and Freida Schlenker, on June 5, 1959. They lived in Medina a short time while Allen helped to build I-94 between Jamestown and Medina. They moved to Adrian in 1960 and while Allen started farming, Karol became a teacher at both the Adrian and Dickey public schools. In 1966, Karol began teaching sixth grade at Montpelier and they purchased the family farm from Allen’s parents where they lived and raised their children.
Karol retired from teaching in 1978. She then spent time working beside Allen in the farming operation and was also an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives. Family was very important to Karol. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, giving them her total love and support for which they were very grateful and loved her so much. She never missed a single event that her children and grandchildren participated in, whether it was a sporting event, music program or any school activity. She was well-known around the area for her avid interest in sports (and her vocal ability). Because she was at all the games or events, travel advised or no travel advised, she got to know many people. For this reason, she was known as “Grandma Karol” to many, especially her grandchildren’s friends.
She was always there for her family but was also known for helping anyone in the community. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, watching the Vikings, and going to the area schools’ sporting events. She served on the Montpelier School Board and was a member of the Adrian Homemakers Club. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Adrian. She is survived by her son, Jay Schlenker, Montpelier, ND; daughter, Kim (Dave) Wieland, Rogers, ND; grandchildren, Jacob Schlenker and Adam (Stephanie), Nicholas (Cassie) and Samantha Wieland; great-grandchildren, Greta Wieland and Savanna Wieland; sisters, Sharon Knispel, Adrian, ND and Sandi (Sam) Smith, Minneota, MN; special uncle, Darz Knudson (who was like a brother); two brothers-in-law, Elroy Schlenker, Adrian, ND and Roland (Judy) Schlenker, Jamestown, ND; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, an infant sister and brother, sister-in-law, Laura, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law.
Online guest book: www.eddyfuneralhome.com
Visitation: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, Feb 23, 2018 at Good Shepherd Chapel, Jamestown, ND
Prayer Service: 7:00 PM Friday, Feb 23, 2018 at Good Shepherd Chapel, Jamestown
Funeral Service: 1:00 PM Saturday, Feb 24, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Adrian, ND