SCHLENKER, Robert E. (1959-2022)

SCHLENKER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/30/2023 at 15:18:24

Robert Edward Schlenker
(February 18, 1959 - August 31, 2022)

Robert Edward Schlenker of Indianola, Iowa, died at home on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, after a lengthy courageous battle with multiple health issues. Bob, as he preferred to be known, was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 18, 1959, to Ralph F. Schlenker and Charlotte J. Schlenker. He is survived by his brothers, Mark F. (Leila) Schlenker and John D. (Kumiko) Schlenker, and his sister, Mary Jane (Michael) Miller. He is also survived by his nieces, Hannah (Carsten) Moeller and Rachel Johnson, nephews, Paul C. Schlenker and Mark Johnson, and great nephews, Frederick Moeller, Todd Moeller, and Alden Moeller. Bob retired as a Revenue Examiner in 2018 from a long career with the Iowa Department of Revenue, having started decades earlier as a part time worker in the mailroom. He was a graduate of Indianola High School and DMACC. He enjoyed his years in scouting and achieved the rank of Eagle which launched him into a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors. His favorite fishing trips took him to Kenosha, Wisconsin for salmon fishing and to Ontario Canada for walleye. In addition to his catches, Bob loved the first spring days in the woods hunting for the elusive morel mushroom. Bob also spent considerable time caring for his beehives. The excellent honey had quite a local following.
The abundance from his sporting activities led him to become an excellent cook. Bob was particularly known for perfect fish fries and his delicious smoked pork ribs. Bob also enjoyed baking sourdough bread from the sourdough starter which was a gift from his mother. His vanilla ice cream, sweetened with his own honey, was a real treat.
In Davenport Bob chaired the Lion’s club committee that produced the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display for many years. Bob obtained his license as a certified pyrotechnician and continued to research and celebrate fireworks with his membership in the Pyrotechnics Guild International. Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church in Indianola, the Davenport Lions Club, and the Des Moines Izaak Walton League. His friendly smile and quick wit will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, Izaak Walton League or Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America. [This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]