Leroy Peter George Schliep

LeRoy was born November 6, 1919 on the family farm outside of Holloway, Minnesota and he passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the age of 96 years. He was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield where he was baptized on December 21, 1919 and was confirmed on March 25, 1934.   He married Dorothy Bartz on September 18, 1946 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway, Minnesota. LeRoy’s love and respect for Dorothy was a testament to true love and together they enjoyed 69 years of blessed marriage. Their marriage was a true partnership and an inspiration to all around them.

LeRoy loved his family, farming and he had a deep unwavering faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.   The gentle way that LeRoy worked with animals was a sign to Dorothy that LeRoy would be an exceptional father.   With his children and grandchildren, LeRoy enjoyed having a constant companion when doing the chores on the farm.   Whether it was feeding the animals or riding in a tractor in the field LeRoy would share his knowledge and a cookie or two.  Toddlers to teenagers received sage advice such as “look ahead and not the road in front of the hood.”  Good advice for driving and good advice for living too.

LeRoy was known for bringing surprise treasures home for the enjoyment of his children including ponies, a black and white cat, plus turtles and mudhens from the field. When LeRoy taught his children and grandchildren to ride a horse, he also taught an important life lesson, if the horse bucks you off, you get back on. It was a special treat to ride or even drive his childhood pony cart with him. The pony cart ride demonstrated his love and trust in you. LeRoy loved his sheep, starting his flock from a lamb given to him by his Aunt Ella. Feeding a bottle lamb was a favorite chore of his children and grandchildren. The Schliep Dairy Farm was expanded throughout the years as it combined his love for animals, and time with family.   The entire family took pride participating in 4-H including showing the animals at the Swift County Fair and Minnesota State Fair.

Holiday traditions were always special and included attending church and family time.   There were many stories and laughter shared when frosting Christmas cookies with Dad/Grandpa. LeRoy’s sparkling eyes and smile would demonstrate he enjoyed Christmas as much as the children as long as Dorothy was by his side.

Through his words and actions, LeRoy taught his children the value of hard work, importance of family, to love and respect animals and most importantly, to love and respect people. LeRoy shared with his children how special it was to be married to his love, Dorothy. Together, LeRoy and Dorothy would always remind their family to take time for your children as they grow up too fast and that family time is the best time.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Appleton; children: Bonita Carlson of Chaska, Rosemary Schliep of Rochester, LuAnn (Scott) Stroupe of Oak Grove, Karalyn (Brian) Sartor of Shoreview; daughter-in-law, Denise Schliep of Holloway; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, David; his parents, William and Anna Minna Sophia (Orlowski) Schliep; sisters: Hertha (William) Haben, Mildred (Alfred) Sachs, Elfrieda (William) Hamann, Mabel (Walter) Munsterman, infant sister, Gertrude Schliep; brother, Arthur (Mae) Schliep; parents-in-law, Walter and Ida Bartz; sister-in-law, Rose (Herman) Trager; brothers-in-law, Wilfred Stock, Raymond (Norma) Stock, and Willie (Marjorie) Stock.

Blessed be the memory of LeRoy Schliep.