Obituary: Walter Schlenker, 92, of Westport

The following obituary was submitted by the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home. 

Walter L. Schlenker, 92, widower of Mary Lou Schlenker of Westport died in Wallingford on November 1, 2013 surrounded by his family.  

Born in Cleveland, OH he was a Schenectady, NY resident for 20 years prior to moving to Westport, CT where he resided for 36 years. Walter was a graduate of Ohio State University where he earned his BSC Degree. He was a veteran of WW II having served in the US Merchant Marines for 10 years as a Chief Engineer where he earned the rank of Lt. Commander.  

Prior to his retirement he was in the Corporate Finance Operations with the General Electric Corporation for 36 years. Walter was Director of Westport area National Bureau of Census, member of Westport RTM for six years where he was Chairman of the Public Works Committee and member of the Compensation Committee.  

Past moderator, trustee, Chairman of Worship, current deacon, Stephen minister, choir and church representative to the Westport/Weston interfaith council at the Greens Farms Congregational Church, member of YMCA of Westport where he was a member of the singing group called “The Hoot Owls”, past Master of St. George Lodge #6 in Schenectady, NY  and current member of Temple Lodge in Westport (Masonic Order). 

Past senior representative for the GE Elefun Managerial Society at Housatonic College of Bridgeport, including curriculum Development and review, Past president of Westport/Weston United Way and member of Board of Directors.  Past Vice-President of communications and director of United Fund Campaign, Past member of Computer and Technology Committee of Eastern Fairfield County United Way, Past RTM elected member of Board of Director’s for Westport Arts Center and past vice president of finance for the center, past Assistant State Director of the AARP and State coordinator of AARP work force programs, past president of the Greenfield Hill Chapter of AARP and a member of the Westport Chapter of AARP.

Greenfield Hill Chapter Board and legislative chairman, chairman of the Senior Center Policy and Planning Board (2003 and 2004), member of the Advisory Council of Southwestern CT Agency on Aging, past chairman of the town of Westport’s Flood and Erosion Board and a member of the Shellfish Commission, past Commissioner and Secretary of the CT Commission on aging as appointed by the Governor and Representative to the Governor’s Bridgeport office of the State of CT, past member of the Town of Westport public site and building commission, Board of Director of the Nature Center for Environmental Activities (now re-named “Earthplace”) and a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Taborton, NY where he sang with “The Cantabile Chorale” and with “The Trinity Chorale”.  

Walter is survived by one daughter, Pamela Van Hoesen; four grandchildren, Kristen, Kellan, Kendyl and Kreg Van Hosen and his companion, Winifred Keene.  

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Greens Farms Congregational Church.  Interment will be private.  It would be appreciated if donations be made in Walter’s memory to:  The Rev. William Bryant Fund, Greens Farms Congregational Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport, CT  06880.