Irvin Schlenker

Major Irvin “Irv” Schlenker, a proud and decorated veteran of the Army, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 16^th, 2024.  Irv was born on September 12^th, 1926 in McLaughlin, South Dakota to his parents, Chris and Emily Schlenker. At 18 years-old, he was drafted to the Army. From 1944 to 1965, he served in the 88^th Infantry Division of the Army in various locations throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Irv aided in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Most notably, Irv was assigned to the US Army force, TRUST, Trieste United States Troops. The mission of TRUST was to maintain order in the Free Territory of Trieste and to support the policies of the Allied Military Government. Irv met his beloved wife, Edda Galli, while stationed in Trieste, Italy. After serving in the Army, Irv was involved in many startup businesses. When he wasn’t working, Irv had a passion for volunteering as a Mason for Shriners International and was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He also had a great passion for telling jokes with his infectious laugh and smile. Irv was preceded in death by his nine brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his brother Clarence and sister Betty, children Diana, Errol, Robert, and Larry, grandchildren, Stephanie, Katie, Dusty, Christian, Lara and Samantha, and great grandchildren Connor, Kylar, Kasyn, Ryder, and Sadie.

Funeral services will be February 8^th at 1:00 PM at French Mortuary (9300 Golf Course Rd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114). Interment will be February 9^th at 11:00 AM at Santa Fe National Cemetery (501 N Guadalupe St. Santa Fe, NM 87501).  Honorary pallbearers will be Dusty Schlenker, Christian Schlenker, Vance Schlenker, Casey Boyles, Robby Medeiros and Keith Vinson.

Irv requested that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children Transportation Fund in lieu of flowers.