David Thomas Schlenke

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of David Thomas Schlenke, born January 31, 1962, and passed unexpectedly on the morning of April 10, 2026 in Duck Key, FL. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Schlenke; his father, Henry Schlenke; his father-in-law, Gene Rohrscheib; and his mother-in-law, Sharone Rohrscheib.

He has left behind his loving wife of 40 years, Raejene; his daughter, Christina (son-in-law Caleb) Anderson; his son, Matthew Schlenke; and his two grandchildren, Leo Anderson and Hope Anderson.

David met his wife, Raejene, while attending school at Brighton High School, where he knew he would one day marry his future bride. He was a graduate of Lawrence Tech University, where he studied mechanical engineering. David took his love for engineering and worked for S.S. I Technologies for 27 years. He devoted his work to the betterment of the automotive industry and had multiple patents to his name.

David built a life in Janesville, Wisconsin, with his wife and children, where he was surrounded by wonderful neighbors and work colleagues and became a true Packers fan.

In retirement, he moved to Florida full time with his wife, where he built a wonderful community on Duck Key. During this time, he loved adventuring with his wife, exploring national parks and traveling. He also loved visiting his grandchildren, spending time tinkering around the house, playing pickleball, and being a member at Club Duck Key.

David loved to be outdoors and spend time with his family on Lake Charlevoix, out by the pool, doing yard work, playing sports with the kids, hunting in the U.P. with his brothers, or soaking up the Florida sunshine.

He was an incredibly generous man who showed his love through acts of service, always showing up to lend a hand in any way he could.

He will be deeply missed, and we all wish we had more time, but we know he is waiting for us in eternity. His legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren.

Celebration of Life

Dave’s Celebration of Life will be held at one of his favorite places, Club Duck Key, on May 2nd. Details and times listed below. 

Gallery

Memory wall

April 14, 2026

I worked with Dave at SSI for 25+ years. Even though he worked in Janesville and I worked in the Detroit area, we hit it off immediately. My first week at SSI was spent training in Wisconsin back in 1994 and almost immediately after we were introduced, he suggested we get together after work for a bite to eat and a chance to get acquainted. We found out we had a lot in common: Starting our careers with GM, married the same year, kids who were the same age… I also found out that when Dave wanted to get together after work, eating was not a high priority. In the way more than 100 trips I made there, Dave would always make an effort to meet up with me at least once after work so we could catch up on things and share a “few” beers. However, my strongest memories are those times when he helped me through difficult situations at work. He would frequently provide his expertise and offer the support of his team. He would even take on projects assigned to the Detroit group when we were struggling with customer issues. He was a steadying hand when things seemed to be falling apart. He might feel it necessary to remind me that (once again) I needed his assistance to pull things off, but I knew I could always depend on him to offer help. And he did, more times than could be counted.

Dave Denstaedt

April 14, 2026

I met Dave and his family in 1993. I had the pleasure of working with him over 25yrs. There was absolutely nothing we couldn’t accomplish. He made everyone around him better. He was always there for a helping hand or someone to talk too. He had an astonishing affect on my life. I have you in my heart until our spirts meet again.
Jeff B.

Jeff Bloom

April 14, 2026

Dave will be missed.

Carrie

April 14, 2026

We had so many great times over the years and great opportunities to travel. Rick & Linda

Rick Tubbs

Celebration of Life