Raymond J. Schleinkofer, of the Town of Gardiner, entered into rest on Thursday July 1, 2021. He was 92 years old.
He was the son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Wheeler) Schleinkofer, born on April 24, 1929 in Fayette, Missouri.
A longtime area resident, Raymond was a Electronic/Audio Technician at the USMA West Point, NY. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1949-1953.
He is survived by two daughters, Mary Meyer (Geoff) Meyer of Gardiner, NY and Maureen (Robert) Bellis of Troy, Maine; a brother Dr. Robert Schleinkofer of Ft. Wayne IN, three grandchildren, Trevor, Joshua and Michael, three great grandchildren, Russell, McKenzie and Elizabeth; many nieces and nephews, several stepchildren and his very special friend Rita Levine and his dog Tabby.
Raymond was predeceased by his first wife of 31 years Mary (McKenzie) his sweet Scottish lass; Irene (Barry) of 12 years and Charlotte (Curry) Noble of almost 20 years; a brother Ronald Schleinkofer and his beloved grandson Devin.
Dad loved life even though he was born a child of the Great Depression. Life knocked him down many times and even after suffering many losses throughout his life he still saw the beauty in living. He became an artist at age 59 entering many art shows winning awards and winning first place with one of his paintings which he was very proud of. He was also a gifted craftsman making beautiful birdhouses which he also painted. At age 90 he staged a one man art show entering 35 of his most loved paintings. Over 60 family and friends came during the 2 hour show and this made him so very happy. He was astounded and thrilled beyond words that folks continued to come to see his paintings during the month his artwork was displayed at the Gardiner Library signing his guestbook.
In 2017 at age 89 he and his daughter Mary went on a journey of a lifetime. Raymond was one of 185 veterans selected to be on Honor Flight#15 flying to Washington, DC to honor their military service. It was a day he would always remember and cherish. He was humbled when families he did not know asked him if their children could stand alongside him for a picture. He was thrilled to speak with Senator Bill Larkin before takeoff. After arriving in Washington he met the late Senator Robert Dole in front of the WW2 Memorial. The Senator called him over and they chatted side by side each in their wheelchairs like they knew each other for decades.
He was an amazing, kind and loving man and every day spent with him was special. He lived his life well and will be missed until the end of time.
Private Cremation has taken place at Cedar Hill Crematory.
Plans for a Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.