LeRoy David Schlagel

LeRoy D. Schlagel, 91, passed on April 13th, 2026.

LeRoy led a wonderful faith filled life. He was born on September 12,1934 in Napoleon, OH to Henry J and Amelia Schlagel. He was baptized at St Paul in Napoleon. The family moved to Traverse City, MI in 1939 and transferred to Trinity Lutheran Church where LeRoy was confirmed and remained a member until the end.

He graduated from Traverse City Central but attended Concordia University in Wisconsin from 9th to 11th grade. He then enlisted in the Army in 1953 hoping to join the Korean War. He served in Germany until 1956. Using his G.I. Bill he eventually graduated from MSU with a B.S. in Lumber and Building Material Merchandising. He used his degree at Red Mill Lumber until 1981 and then Northern Lumber from 1981 to 2005 until computers drove him away.

He married the love of his life, Sherren Matson, at Trinity on September 6th, 1958. They handled life’s ups and downs gracefully as a team and were married for “51 perfect years” that he thanked God for. LeRoy was an active member of the church for most of his life. He served on multiple boards totaling 64 years of service.

LeRoy is survived by his son Scott (Lisa) Schlagel. He was preceded in death by his beloved Sherry in 2010, his mother and father, his brothers Alvin Spoering, Julian Schlagel, and Jerry Schlagel.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at French Manor South for the care and love they showed him. In lieu of flowers or contributions the family is asking for memorials to be given to Trinity Lutheran’s Altar Guild.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17th from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 18th from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

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