Eugene John Schlekeway, 90, of Spearfish, SD, peacefully left this world on April 23, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Funeral services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Spearfish on Thursday, May 2nd at 11:00 am.
Gene was born on December 1st, 1933, in Sisseton, SD. He was raised near Lake City, SD, with his parents Raymond and Cecilia (Gangle) Schlekeway along with his ten brothers and one sister. During his formative years, his life on the family farm instilled in him a determined work ethic, and he learned the art of service to others. As a stellar high school athlete, Gene often would make those clutch shots and perform at his best when it mattered the most. After graduating from Britton High School in 1951, he attended Northern State College in Aberdeen on a three-sport athletic scholarship. Gene lettered in the sports of football, basketball and track all four years. He was a team player competing on 9 SDIC Championship teams and his crowning moment was when the 1953 Wolves won the championship in their undefeated season. While at Northern, he worked alongside his future mother-in-law in the cafeteria. Gene excelled as an athlete, but he won the heart of his soulmate Norma Jean Hansen and the two wed on March 5th, 1955.
Earning his BS in Education in 1955, he landed his first teaching job in Amherst, SD, where he taught and coached for one year. He then moved his young family to Britton, SD, where he taught and coached for the next 5 years. Watertown High School was his next assignment; during that time, he also earned his MS in Education from SDSU. To better support his growing family, he officiated sporting events gaining lifelong friends. Next, he accepted the position of head coach for the Black Hills State College football team. He held that title for the15 years. During his tenure he also served as head golf coach, assistant track and basketball coach. After his long coaching career ended, he continued his work as the Director of Residence Life.
Family meant the world to Gene, and he provided for his family in every capacity and supported his kids in all their activities. He served as a mentor supporting those he taught and coached, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of the many who were accepted into his extended family. Everyone who knew Gene knew they could count on him for guidance and support. He and Norma made Spearfish their forever home surrounding themselves with many friends where they were busy socializing and supporting the Yellow Jackets. For 11 years, a BHSU football player has received his scholarship. His legacy will continue to impact athletes for years to come.
Gene had a decorated career with notable accomplishments. With no wrestling experience, he coached the Watertown Arrows to a State Championship (1966). Gene was inducted into the Northern State University Athletic Hall of Fame two times, first for Athletic Excellence (1984) and second with the 1953 Undefeated Wolves Football Team (2023). Gene is also a member of two other Athletic Hall of Fames, the SDIC for Athletic Achievement (1983) and the Black Hills State Hall of Fame (1988). He and Norma were BHSU Swarm Day Parade Marshals (2019).
During retirement, Gene lived his best life chasing walleye on the Missouri. He camped and fished, often inviting family and friends on the boat giving them a Top Gun pro-guide experience. He shared his love of fishing and adventuring and traveled around the US pulling a camper enjoying all the beauty this country has to offer.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Cecilia, his brothers Donald, Kenneth, Vern (Bobbi-sister-in-law) Jerald, Richard, and Doran. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Norma, and children Jack Schlekeway of Broken Arrow, OK, Bryan (Nelda) Schlekeway of Keota, OK, Jeanne (Michael) Brown of Sioux Falls, SD, Gary (Genevieve) Schlekeway of Gillette, WY, and Karen Schlekeway (Marshall Graves) of Belle Fourche. He is also survived by his siblings: Orion (Virginia) Schlekewey of Hillsboro, OR, Elaine Angone of Los Angeles, CA, Ronald (Marjorie) Schlekeway of Aurora, CO, sister-in-law Ginny Schlekeway of Watertown, SD, James (Marilyn) Schlekeway of Mobridge, SD and Wayne (Jo) Schlekewy, Las Vegas, NV and sister-in-law Lauri Schlekeway, Lake Oswego, OR, his 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent in Gene’s name to athletic foundations at NSU, BHSU or to Heartland Home Health & Hospice.
FAITH…FAMILY…FOOTBALL
The service will be live streamed. A link will be provided through the Isburg Funeral Homes & Isburg Crematory website.
