Marco Henry Schlomer passed away on October 22, 2026, at the age of 71.

Marco was born December 19, 1954, in Mobridge, South Dakota to Gerhard and Agnes Schlomer, the third of six children. He was baptized at St. Jacobi Lutheran Church on January 2, 1955, and was confirmed in his faith on May 25, 1969. 

He attended school in Glenham, South Dakota and graduated from Glenham High School in 1973. During his time in high school he played basketball, ran cross country, and sang in the choir.

Lake Area Vocational/Technical School was the next step in his education. He graduated in 1975 and was certified as a mechanic, specializing in automatic transmissions.

On June 14, 1975, Marco married Susan Lindeman at St. Jacobi Lutheran Church in Glenham. The couple lived in Mobridge for two years before moving to Sturgis, South Dakota.

In 1980 they ventured farther west and settled in Gillette, Wyoming where they lived for the next 35 years. During that time Marco worked in the oil and coal industries, selling parts, including heavy equipment parts. He also spent time working at Jacobs Ranch Coal Mine. Marco took a few years off to help start a pheasant preserve and hunting business with his brother in South Dakota.

Marco thoroughly enjoyed camping and hunting in the mountains. He taught 4-H shooting sports. He was a master craftsman, building beautiful oak furniture. Later when his vision no longer allowed him to make the precise measurements and cuts needed for traditional furniture building, he took up log furniture building.

Marco played the role of Santa Claus for almost 20 years. With his real beard, rosy cheeks, and jolly laugh he was a natural. Many children thought he was the real deal.

As a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), he was active in his home church wherever he lived, including St. Jacobi in Glenham, Trinity in Sturgis, Christ Our Redeemer in Gillette, of which he was a founding member, and Hope Lutheran in Spearfish.

The couple built their beautiful retirement home in the Black Hills of Wyoming, near Upton. His final days were spent in Spearfish, South Dakota at Peaceful Pines retirement community.

Marco is survived by his wife of 51 years; his children Kayla Quinn (Terry), Marc Schlomer (Bonny), Loren Schlomer (Melissa), Amber Poth (Steven); six grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Randall (Ralph); his brothers, Marlo (Jelayne), Marlin (Peggy), and Marion (Corrine); his sister-in-law Carol Schlomer; nieces, nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Heather; both parents; his grandparents; his brother Marvin; aunts, uncles and many cousins.

We are forever thankful for his faith in his Savior, knowing that he is free from pain!

A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 913 S. 34th Street, Spearfish on November 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.