WALDEMAR RICHARD "DICK" SCHLONGA
February 16, 1927 ~ October 30, 2016
Dick Schlonga, 89, passed away in Vancouver, WA. He was born in Timber Lake, SD to Walter and Jeanette (Lippert) Schlonga. Fleeing the dust bowl, young Dick moved with his family to Sunnyside, WA where he graduated from high school.
He served in the US Navy Hospital Corps during WWII.
Dick received a BA from WSU and his MA from CWU. He later moved to Clark County, WA.
He met the love of his life, Dorothy F. Quandt in the choir loft at Memorial Lutheran Church in Vancouver. They were married at the church on June 10, 1955.
Dick worked as an industrial arts teacher at Shumway Jr High in Vancouver and retired after 30 years. He loved to work with his hands, be it with wood, metal, or earth and was a life member of the Handyman Club of America.
Dick is survived by his children: Richard (Joan) Schlonga of Tacoma, WA, Lisa Schlonga of Nowy Sacz, Poland, Michael (Connie) Schlonga of Battle Ground, WA, and Colleen Schlonga (Virginia Grilley) of Eugene, OR; and two grandchildren, Michelle and Victor Schlonga.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy (July 7, 2014); and sisters, Charlotte Rivell and Carol Brookhyser.
Viewing for Dick will be held Thurs., Nov. 10, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Vancouver Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sat., Nov. 12, at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2700 E. 28th St., Vancouver. Private Interment will be held at Northwood Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mission Fellowship ministry, of Memorial Lutheran Church.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
Published in The Columbian on Nov. 6, 2016
