Roger Earl Schlender

MADISON-Roger E. Schlender, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on Sunday, April 29, 1928, in Waterloo, the son of Earl and Lila Mae (Berg) Schlender. He married Marie C. Menz on Dec. 25, 1948, in Newville. Roger attended Madison Business College, and worked as a circulation district manager and advertising representative for Madison Newspapers for 32 years before retiring in 1988. Sports were always an integral part of Roger’s life. He participated in high school sports, played for the Appleton Triple A baseball team, and continued to play baseball and fast-pitch softball for several Madison city league championship teams. The Packers, Brewers, and the Badgers also remained a passion for Roger throughout his life. It was not uncommon when planned events were held up due to unexpected televised game delays. Roger was also an avid golfer and never missed an opportunity to get in a round of golf. He cherished the strong friendships that he formed with his golfing buddies, his teammates and work associates. Roger was a fan of country western music, and was often found in the company of friends enjoying the music at the Legion, VFW and Country Corners. He was an active member at Monona Lutheran Church, and volunteered for many years at Thrift resale store. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marie; children, Jeffrey J. (Michelle) of Madison and Katherine A. (Chris) Schlender-Adams of McFarland; eight grandchildren, Angela (Matt) Angus, Christopher (Kimberly) Adams, Roger (Sara) Schlender, Jeremy Adams, Mathew Adams, Greg Schlender, Emily Schlender, and Sarah Schlender; five great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at MONONA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012, with the Rev. William Pekari presiding. Burial will be at Newville Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Monona Evangelical Lutheran Church Building Fund or Agrace HospiceCare. The family would like to thank Dr. Roy Kim and the staff of the Dean Oncology department, the staff of Boswell Hospital in Sun City, Ariz., St. Mary’s Hospital 5th floor staff, and the Agrace HospiceCare team for the loving care they gave Roger. Cemetery: Burial will be at Newville Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Funeral services will be held at MONONA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012, with the Rev. William Pekari presiding.