Harry Ervin Schlenker, 94, Jud, ND, passed away on September 5, 2026, at Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

Harry was born August 11, 1932, on the family farm near Jud, ND, the son of John R. and Maria (Nitschke) Schlenker. He attended a one-room rural schoolhouse where he received his 8th grade certificate from Mikkelson Township.

On April 4, 1954, Harry married the love of his life Burnette J. Buerkle at the Church of God (7th Day) Alfred, ND. They resided on their farm near Jud, ND for 15 years.

In 1969, Harry and family moved to Jerusalem, Israel as missionaries. Under the leadership of A.N. Dugger, Harry was the Administrator of the International Bible Correspondence School – English Division. He also assisted with the production of the Mt. Zion Reporter, a magazine that was distributed globally.

In 1974, Harry and family returned to Jud, ND, and resumed farming until his retirement in 2024. Harry lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and service. Harry was a charter member of the Jud Lions Club, and served for many years on the Mikkelson Township board.

Harry enjoyed traveling, and visited numerous countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, but his favorite place was North Dakota. Everywhere he went, he enjoyed talking to people and sharing a meal together.  Harry was a lifelong member of the Alfred Church of God (7th Day). His love for Jesus Christ was at the center of his life.

Harry is survived by his wife Burnette, Jamestown, ND; two sons, Bruce (Paola Andrea) Schlenker, Jud, ND and Stephen (Norma Nicholes) Schlenker, Jud, ND; two daughters, Shelan (Jef) Foster, Scottsdale, AZ and Sherry (Kirby Wolf) Nitschke, Jud, ND; eight grandchildren, Desire’ (Heath) Harrod, Maumelle, AR; Kaleb Olstad, Scottsdale, AZ; Jordan (Madison) Nitschke, Jud, ND; Lucas (Sydney) Nitschke, Jud, ND; Ashley Schlenker, Orlando, FL; Daniel Watson and Maria Machado, Las Vegas, NV and Sebastian Machado, Orlando, FL; six great-grandchildren: Savannah, Nathan, Judah & Wyatt Harrod, Maumelle, AR; Trig & Hattie Nitschke, Jud, ND; sister, Norma Pruitt, Jasper, AR; along with nephews, nieces and cousins.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Maria Schlenker, Jud, ND; brother Reuben & wife Ruby Schlenker, Jud, ND; brother Floyd Schlenker in infancy, Jud, ND; sister Lucille & husband Hugh Butrick, Albuquerque, NM; sister Marian & Kenneth Nitschke, Jamestown, ND; and brother-in-law Jim Pruitt, Jasper, AR.

FUNERAL SERVICE– Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Haut’s Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND, followed by lunch at the funeral home and burial at the Church of God (7th Day), Alfred, ND.                     

VISITATION-10-11 AM, Monday, September 14, 2026, Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

FUNERAL SERVICE– 11 AM, Monday, September 14, 2026, Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.
The livestream/recording of the funeral is available- CLICK HERE

BURIAL-2:15 PM, Monday, September 14, 2026, Church of God, Seventh Day Cemetery, Rural Alfred, ND