August 2024
The Baptism of Reverend Dennis Schlecht was completed July 18, 2024.
Pastor Schlecht was born December 22, 1936, to the Rev. O. E. and Martha (nee Orlove) Schlecht.
He was baptized January 12, 1937, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tilden, Nebraska by his father who was Pastor there, and confirmed April 2, 1950, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wisner, Nebraska where his father then served. He was married to Anita Kruger on August 15, 1959, the rite of which was officiated by his father and Anita’s father, the Rev. Prof. Obert Kruger, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Winfield, Kansas.
He attended Wisner elementary and high schools from second grade through graduation in 1953, at which time he matriculated at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, where he finished preparatory studies for the holy ministry.
He then enrolled at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He served as vicar at Lutheran Church of the Covenant in Maple Heights, Ohio. He graduated in May 1961 with a Master of Divinity degree. Upon graduation, he was assigned to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, Iowa, a county seat of 2000, much like Wisner in character which was his request to the Seminary placement board.
He next was called to begin a new congregation in Schaumburg, Illinois, a fast-growing area in northwest Chicagoland. He subsequently served as a chaplain at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, followed by serving on the faculty of Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois, during which time he completed course work for the STM (Master of Sacred Theology) in 1973. Following this, he served congregations in Modesto, Temple City, and Sacramento, California over the next twenty-four years. He then served on the staff of St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois and in retirement, assisting at Faith Lutheran Church in Westchester, Illinois.
Pastor Schlecht published devotionals for children and sermons for compilations for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He served as a Navy Reserve chaplain for ten years and was offered active duty, but declined because of family considerations. He maintained a lifelong interest and study of biblical theology as well as liturgical theology, writing for the Synod’s Commission on Worship.
He is survived by his beloved and loving wife, Anita; and by his adored and adoring children: Laurie (John) Pierini, Lisa (Dan) Smith, Amy (Stephen) Krentz and Sarah (Mauricio) Mejia. He also leaves ten grandchildren: Christian and Nathan Pierini, Rachel (Joe) Insana, Caitlin and Hannah Smith, Abigail, Timothy and Grace Krentz, and Emma and Lauren Mejia, and one great-grandchild, Jacob Insana. He frequently spoke of how much his wife, children, and grandchildren enriched and fulfilled his life. He was preceded in death by brothers, the Rev. Richard and the Rev. Hilton.
Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 11007 Book Rd., Naperville, IL 60564 on August 11, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. LCMS pastors in attendance are invited to vest with red stoles. Interment will be at Zion’s cemetery, immediately following the service.
Memorials may be directed to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.