The Rev. Roland E. Schlenker, 81, of Creamery, Pa., formerly of Fairview, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 31, 2021.

He was born on March 14, 1939, in Abington, Pa., and was the son of the late Alma and Bruno Schlenker.

The Rev. Schlenker graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Nyack College, and a master’s degree from the Biblical Theological Seminary (now Missio Seminary).

The Rev. Schlenker served the Lord as pastor of St. Peter’s Reformed Church of Fairview, from 1975 to 1984. “Preacher,” as he was affectionately called by his parishioners, was privileged to lead the church during a time of growth and the construction of a new church building.

Being a fan of Philadelphia pro sports teams, he always enjoyed good natured ribbing from the local Steelers and Pirates fans.

While he had many different jobs in his lifetime, his calling was always to the Gospel ministry. Even when he wasn’t in vocational ministry, he was always involved in his local congregation as a Sunday school teacher, or in some other volunteer capacity.

Early in his career, the Rev. Schlenker also served as pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Bridgeville, and later in his career, at Grace Church in West Point, Pa.

For the Rev. Schlenker, faith and family always went hand-in-hand. A fixture at extended family gatherings, he often told stories of his younger days. In recent years, he enjoyed being around his grandchildren, seeing them grow in their faith, and teaching them life lessons. In his last few months, he FaceTimed with his year-old great-granddaughter every week, which never failed to bring a smile to his face and joy into his life.

He is survived by his sweetheart and loving wife of 58 years, Claire (Schneider); his three children and their spouses, Steven and his wife, Laura, of Bensalem, Pa., Peter and his wife, Kathleen, of Eagleville, Pa., and Lorinda Keener and her husband, Andrew, of Midlothian, Texas; his 11 grandchildren, Katherine Adams and her husband, Timothy, Peter Schlenker Jr., Rebecca Schlenker, Joshua Keener, Sarah Mitchell and her husband, Robert, Benjamin Keener, Julie Schlenker, Elizabeth Baker and her husband, Cole, Nathan Schlenker, Rachel Keener and Mary Schlenker; his great-granddaughter, Aubrey Claire Adams; and his sister, Rosemarie Schlenker of Roslyn, Pa.

He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, and a niece and nephew and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

SCHLENKER — A memorial service celebrating the life of the Rev. Roland E. Schlenker, who died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, was held Feb. 6, 2021, at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, 25 Pennhurst Road, Spring City.

He will be laid to rest in George Washington Memorial Park in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Faith Bible Fellowship Church, 25 Pennhurst Road, Spring City, PA 19475.