Donald Richard Schleicher
March 19, 1942 - March 14, 2025
Donald Richard Schleicher, age 82, of Shakopee entered eternal life on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Don was born in Mora, Minnesota on March 19, 1942, the son of Richard and Frances Schleicher. Don grew up on a farm east of Shakopee and cherished his horses. He graduated from Shakopee High School in 1960. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a reciprocating engine mechanic from 1960 to 1964. Stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base, he also served temporary duty in the Azores during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
While serving, Don remained devoted to his high school sweetheart, Judi. On December 10, 1960, they began a beautiful marriage that lasted over six decades filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures, all of which they shared selflessly with their 5 kids.
After his military service, Don built a successful 40-year career at Inland Container in Shakopee, where he served numerous roles, including maintenance mechanic, machine operator, and production foreman. His strong work ethic and respect for his co-workers made him an authentic and effective leader.
Beyond his career, Don had a deep love for the outdoors and traveling. With his family and their tent trailer, they explored from coast to coast, creating lasting memories along the way. He also enjoyed many trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with his family.
Don loved, cherished and prioritized his family. Don could always be found supporting his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids in the audience, in the bleachers or on the sidelines at countless activities from band concerts to athletic events.
A passionate runner, Don completed an impressive 20 marathons, including nine Twin Cities Marathons, nine Grandma’s Marathons, the Chicago Marathon, and, most notably, the Boston Marathon. Judi and family were his greatest supporters.
An avid craftsman, Don found joy in woodworking, gardening, and tackling building projects. In 1998, he and Judi purchased a lot on Smokey Hollow Lake in Northern Minnesota and later added a cabin, turning it into a beloved family gathering place. Don lived for time spent at the cabin making memories with family and friends.
Don will be remembered for his humor, quick wit and warm smile. He was extremely humble and had great loyalty to his family and friends. An extremely hard worker, Don was always willing to drop everything to help out family and friends. He had a gentle spirit and warmly welcomed everyone he had the chance to know. They don’t make them like Don anymore.
Don is survived by wife, Judi; daughters and sons, Brenda Anderson (Paul Pampuch), Jackie (John) Aldritt, Tim (Dan Johnsen), Joel (Taunya), and Mark (Holly); grandchildren, Amanda (Phil) Mahal, Tyler (Courtney) Anderson, Parker (Mariah) Anderson, Katie (Sam) Lehmann, Tony (Kristina) Haas, Corey (Abby) Aldritt, Ben (Luting) Aldritt, Derek (Leah) Schleicher, Ben (Ernesta) Schleicher, Cedar Schleicher, and Leo Schleicher; great-grandchildren, Frederick, Greyson, Mackenzie, Jo, Callie, Lyla, Greta, Hannah, Daphne, and Phoebe; sister, Marleen Bentz; sisters-in-law, Irene Schleicher and DeVonne Koppenberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Frances; siblings, Charles, George, Wally, Clarence, Stanley, and Bernice.
Visitation Monday, March 24, 2025, from 4-7 PM, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. East, Shakopee. Visitation also Tuesday, March 25, from 9-9:45 AM, at Church of St. Mary, 535 Lewis Street South, Shakopee; followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Interment Catholic Cemetery, Shakopee. Military Honors will be provided by the Shakopee Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred to donor's choice.
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Obituary and photo submitted by McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation.