John A. Schlenker

John A. Schlenker, 82, of Wapakoneta passed away 12:02 a.m., February 6, 2026, at Kindred Hospital, Lima. He was born February 23, 1943, in Lima, the son of the late John H. and Evon (Knatz) Schlenker. On April 24, 1985, he married Jean M. Warford, and she survives. Other survivors include, 4 children, Jon T. Schlenker, Wapakoneta, Amy (Shawn) Thompson, Wapakoneta, Robin (Brian) Clay, Van Wert, OH, Tracy (Ben) Langenkamp, Dayton, OH; 2 adopted children, Libby Florian, Wapakoneta, Tyler Giles, Wapakoneta; grandchildren, Brooke (Chris) Folk, Brent (Cait) Nagel Ryan (Christine) Nagel, Tianna Thompson, Austin Clay, Kirsten Clay, Paisley Florian, Iris Florian; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Peggy (Jack) Prater, Wapakoneta, brother, Philip (Diane) Schlenker, Wapakoneta; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Michael, and sister-in-law, Joyce Schlenker. John grew up on his family’s farm, Wapa Farms, learning to drive the tractor and helping his father with farming and the dairy cows at an early age. He helped his dad set up a modern milking parlor to better serve their dairy business. John was a member of the class of 1961 of Wapakoneta High School. During high school, he loved playing football and was the star center for the team. John was a man of great ambition and community spirit. Through his hard work and efforts, John negotiated the purchase of the Parlette farm in Wapakoneta, which was developed into homes and commercial properties. He was the president and founder of the Schlenker Developments. In 1969, he formed a partnership with his brother, Philip. Through their efforts, they developed Grand View Estates Subdivisions, Grand View Plaza and various residential and commercial properties in and around the area. Later in life, John sold his interest in the Schlenker Developments. John was the owner of the R. J.‘s Coffey Cup and the former Grandview Video in Wapakoneta. He was a dedicated board member for Auglaize Industries and the Homebuilders Assn. He was a devoted fan who lived for the thrill of the game. John’s loyalty to the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Wapak Redskins was unwavering. He embraced life with an open heart and a hungry palate, always eager to travel to new places and savor local flavors. Some of his happiest days were spent on the waters of Indian Lake. He loved captaining his pontoon. Back on land, he was a fixture of the neighborhood on his golf cart. You could always find him, riding around, looking at the beautiful scenery and enjoying the breezes of life. Funeral services will be 12 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Anthony Spearhart officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends 10 A.M.- 12 P.M., Saturday, February 14, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Auglaize Industries, Breakfast Optimist Club, or the Auglaize County Library. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

John A. Schlenker

February 23, 1943 - February 6, 2026