Raymond Edwin Schlenker, 99 years old, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, 1/3/2025, at the Sturgis Care Center.

Raymond was born in Agar, SD, on December 18th, 1925. He was a rancher in the Onida area for many years. He married Delores Schwallenbach and had 7 children: Deborah, Raynard, Dianne and Joanne, Ronald, Elaine, and Jerald.

In 1976, Ray, Delores, and their three youngest children moved to Patagonia, AZ. He continued to work in ranching until he retired in 1996.

Ray and Delores then returned to South Dakota, settling in Boulder Canyon near Sturgis. Ray lived the rest of his life in the Sturgis area.

He is survived by his sons, Raynard (Diane) of Pierre, SD, and Ronald of Bedias, TX; his daughters Deborah (Michael) Zimmerman of Sturgis, Dianne Voyles of Madison, AL, Joanne (Roger) Everson of Mesa, AZ, and Elaine Schlenker.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, and recently by his youngest son, Jerald.

In lieu of a funeral or memorial service, a private ceremony will be held in Sturgis by immediate family only.