James Elmer Schlender, 81 of Overland Park, passed away October 19, 2017 at his home.  James  was born to James and Alma (Etti Johnson) Schender on December 30, 1935.  He was raised on a farm and attended school at Erwin, SD.  He graduated in 1953 and attended SDSU in Brookings, SD where he acquired his Bachelors and Masters degrees.  He was a member of the ROTC team and was involved in track and basketball while at SDSU.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and became a pilot.  He met and married Judy and they raised her daughter, Julee and their daughter Joni and son, John.  They later divorced.  While working for ADF Construction in 1988, he met his current wife, Ruth.  They moved quite a bit while working for ADF, but finally settled in Garden City, KS where he worked for the city of Garden City Engineering Department and was active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Trinity Lutheran Church.  They recently moved to Overland Park, KS to be closer to family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother and three sisters.  He is survived by his wife Ruth, of the home; daughters, Julee Guthrie and husband Rayce; Joni Schlender; a son, John Schlender and wife Amanda; step children, Chris Van Vleet and wife Vivian; Mark Van Vleet and wife Cheri; Patti Steinwand; Scott Szabo and husband Rick Durette; sisters, Jean Schlender; Donna Wormke and husband Ron; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Memorial Service

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2017 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS 66213.

Memorial Contributions

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund, 1623 Gateway Circle South, Grove City, OH 43123.