Jonathan Edward Schlem

Jonathan (Jon) Edward Schlem, 75 of Sunray gained his wings on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

Jon was born on June 1, 1948 in Winner, South Dakota to Aaron Schlem & Rose (Tideman) Schlem. He was raised on a farm near Carter, SD where he was involved in 4H & basketball as well as helping run the family farm. 

On January 5, 1967, he married the love of his life, Connie (Abbey) Schlem.  Jon was a dedicated Marine who proudly served his country during Vietnam War. As a member of the 1st Marine Division, 1st Tank Battalion, Sargeant Schlem was awarded medals for Good Conduct, Meritorious Mast & Rifle Sharpshooter.

They have three children, Dawn, Mardell & Jason.  In 1976, they settled in Sunray, Texas where Jon was involved in different aspects of the agriculture industry.  He was lovingly given the title of “Papa Jon” by his grandchildren: Devin Roberts, Austen Griggs, Nikki Roberts, Carter Strawn & Carson Schlem.  Because of his generous & caring nature, even close friends referred to him as Papa Jon.
During his life, he proudly dedicated his time to honor the military veterans. He not only flew the United States flag and various military flags at his home, but also made sure each military veteran at his local cemetery had a flag on his/her grave every Memorial Day. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Aaron (Chuck) Schlem, Roger Schlem & Ward Schlem; and his sisters Sharon (Schlem) Kirk, Marie (Schlem) McCollum & June (Schlem) Lindstrom.

Jon is survived by his wife, Connie of the home; daughters, Dawn Crowley of Sunray, Texas and Mardell Strawn (Jon Christensen) of Marble Falls, Texas; and son, Jason Schlem of Long Beach, California; 5 grandchildren & 6 great-grandchildren; Kaebren, Audie, Troy & Gal Roberts; Mia & Isla Van Schalkwyk. 

There will be a family memorial service on October 20, 2023 at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial in Amarillo, Texas.

At a later date, Jon will be laid to rest in Sturgis, South Dakota at the Black Hills National Cemetery for military veterans.