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 SSI 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

May 1, 2026

Dave was a force on this island that will truly be missed. Always there to lend a hand. Always there to give advice. Always there to take out the annoying iguana in your yard.
Dave and Ray are the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for and I only hope we can repay that kindness in some way from here forward. We miss you, friend, neighbor, and as silly as it may sound. Fellow pickleballer.
Love you guys lots
Tracy & Michelle

Tracy & Michelle Bingham

May 1, 2026

Raejene and family, my sincere condolences in the passing of Dave the loving husband, father, grandmother and great friend to many . I met Dave at Brighton High School and immediately became friends. I cherish all the high school activities we did together especially weekends driving around Brighton! His laugh was impeccable.
An up North canoe trip on the Rifle River is a fond memory of Dave.
I am still at a loss of words and my prayers and God’s blessings be with Raejene and family

God Bless
Mike Ling

Mike Long

April 26, 2026

Thanks for hunting Iguanas on our property Dave, and looking after things. Hunting Iguanas will have a new meaning for me now. I did not know you long, but I will miss you immensely. Love, Sven

Sven Bley

April 21, 2026

I considered my self fortunate to have worked with Dave during his tenure at SSI. Dave was an exceptional engineer willing to take on the most challenging and difficult assignments. I was always amazed by his ability to calm jumpy customers during difficult times and his talent for teasing out meaning from a sea of noisy date test. We were vey lucky to have Dave on our team, he will be sorely missed.

Larry Reimer

April 21, 2026

Peace Raejene & Dave in Heaven…
My Darling friend & to your family.
So Happy we saw you both this season. I wondered why no words… for so long… now I know, there are no words…
My heart ♥️ goes out to you! I am so sorry 😢 & this is so heartbreaking 💔. We are here anytime you need.
Prayers
Peace
Thank you for collaborating with us on your colorful collection of fine paintings 🖼️ it has been a joy to know you here & across the country from Michigan Mackinac Island to the Beautiful Florida Keys.
Many blessings to you & yours,
Remember the
Great Memories
May You Continue to Make New Ones
Love You Both
Hugs
Noel & Tom

Noel Skiba

April 20, 2026

Friendship love always will survive a move, it often requires planning and to be intentional. A loss of a friendship it is kept alive by memorable times together. Dave you will be be missed.

Leila Burton

April 17, 2026

Dave was such a great guy, he is truly missed by The SS Wreck n Galley . Dave spent alot of time connecting with so many people over the years, he would lend a hand where he could, offer sound advice , and always knew when to chime in. We had a memorial for 3 days for him and left his seat turned up honoring him, Dave, until we meet again , my friend 🙏

Kimberly Mariner

April 17, 2026

We love Dave! He was the best friend.and overall one of the best humans we have ever met. He knew how to work hard and play hard. No task was too big. His response was always “I’ll take care of it “and he did. His quick smile and loving heart lives on in the many hearts he touched. We miss him already

Jim and Sue

April 15, 2026

Dave hired me at SSI back in 1999. I was a young kid just out of school and he took a chance on me. At first I was pretty intimidated by Dave but over time I got to see how much he cared about his work and the people that he worked with. I learned a lot from him and that knowledge has been instrumental in my career. He will be missed.

Jason Niccolai

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