Vernon J. Schleis

Vernon J. Schleis, age 97, former Mishicot area resident, currently residing in Manitowoc, died Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2023 at Whitetail Estates in Manitowoc.

Vernon was born in Tisch Mills on May 15, 1926 to Matt and Blanche (Zimmerhakel) Schleis. On September 13, 1952, he married Margaret M. Benzinger at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot. Margaret preceded him in death on April 19, 1998. Vernon farmed in the rural Mishicot area for many years until his retirement. He was a longtime active member of the NFO organization.

Vernon loved polka dancing; listening to old-time music; and was a longtime member of the Happy Hoppers Dance Club. He enjoyed traveling, and spent many years wintering in Arizona. Vernon will be remembered as being the jokester; life of the party guy; and always a jolly friend to many.

He is survived by his eight children: Virginia (Paul) Hassemer of Francis Creek, Victoria (Randy) Hrudka of Mishicot, Vivian (Scott) Schuette of Manitowoc, Virgil (Marilyn) Schleis of Tisch Mills, Verlyn (Lanette) Schleis of Mishicot, Marilyn Rice of Kaukauna, Merlin Schleis (special friend, Joan) of Mishicot, and Mary Lou (Mike) Begotka of Whitelaw; thirteen grandchildren: Andrea (Sam) Busse, Bryan Hassemer (special friend, Cory), Justin Hassemer, Kyle (Nicole) Hrudka, Kari Hrudka, Erin Schuette, Rebecca Schleis, Matt (Juliana) Schleis, Mikaela Classon, Hannah Rice, Halle Rice, Cassie (Brandon) Wendt, Nathan Begotka; along with eight great-grandchildren: Vincent, Evan, Henry, Owen, Elliot, Sylvia, Olivia, and Axel. Vernon is further survived by one sister, Beatrice Lawler of Two Rivers; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Blanche Schleis; his wife, Margaret; and by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Knollwood Chapel Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc. Christal Wavrunek will preside at the service, with entombment to follow in the mausoleum.

The family will greet friends and relatives at Knollwood Chapel, Wednesday morning from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the Schleis family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the entire staff of Whitetail Estates for the loving care and allowing dad to "feel at home". Special thanks also to the caregivers of Homecare Health Services & Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness extended to our father.