ANN MARIE SCHLEBEN
Ann Marie Schleben, age 79, of Onaway, died at home Saturday May 1, 2021. One of 17 children born to Joseph and Mary Wasylk, she was born in Rogers City on Feb. 23, 1942. She married Earl R. Schleben Sr. on Sept. 29, 1962 and they made their home in Onaway. Ann was a member of the Onaway VFW Women’s Auxiliary.
Being a wife and the mother of six children as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ann was always busy cooking, washing, and keeping her home. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and crafting beautiful embroidered pillowcases and hand towels that she would give as gifts. She enjoyed her puzzle books and jigsaw puzzles. Ann was a private person but also was fun-loving and quite comical. She never had a driver’s license so she walked to do her errands in town. With her keen sense of humor she would say “I guess it’s time for a new set of tires” whenever she needed a new pair of shoes. Ann loved family get-togethers, decorating and baking for Christmas, and wrapping gifts. Generous and kind-hearted, when Ann heard or knew of family or friends needing something she would buy it for them the next time she was at the store. Ann’s gentle smile and warm heart will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Surviving Ann is her husband of nearly 58 years, Earl R. Schleben, Sr., of Onaway, daughters, Lynn (Hank) Aldrich, of Onaway, Judy Faircloth, of Cheboygan, Sharon (Joseph) Bisanz, of Alpena, and Lisa Schleben (Mike), of Cheboygan, sons, Ken (Connie) Schleben, of Cheboygan and Earl R. Jr. (Robyn) Schleben, of Arkansas, many grandchildren including Angela, Jessica, Brandy, Jeramie, Joshua, Zachary, and Nicholas, and numerous great-grandchildren, including Shaylee, Saleen, Abigail, and Hannah. Ann also leaves her sisters, Donna (Howard) Buchler, of Hawks and Helen Shackleford, of Farmington Hills, brother, Jim (Kathy) Wasylk, of Hale, many nieces, nephews, and family members she held dear to her heart as well as her special pals, Birdie and Sammy. Ann was preceded in death by 14 siblings and her parents.
Special thanks to Harlan and Candace, Elmer and Elaine, Katie and Laurie, and “the rock” for all the family support and love.
Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home. No services are planned as Ann will be honored by her family privately. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Ann to McLaren Home Care and Hospice of Alpena.