Robert Vernon Schledorn, of Sycamore, Illinois, achieved life's final milestone on July 5, 2023. As a 97-year-old World War II veteran and well-liked former lumberyard manager, he died with unwavering love and respect from people in all corners of the United States. He was defined not only by his achievements, but by the exceptional quality of his character.
Robert was born September 30, 1925, in Cato Township, North Dakota. The son of Franz "Frank" and Marie (nee Vander Heiden) Schledorn, he and his brothers grew up working the farm and playing baseball. Robert already had the love of his high school sweetheart, Clarene Wavrin, when he came of age in 1943 and enlisted in the Army Air Force. Robert became a member of the Eighth Airforce and completed 30 successful missions as a B-17 bombardier. He and his brother, Frank, both survived the war, and were lucky enough to meet up in Europe for a taste of home while serving their country. Robert was the last surviving member of his flight crew upon his death in 2023.
Robert was born September 30, 1925, in Cato Township, North Dakota. The son of Franz "Frank" and Marie (nee Vander Heiden) Schledorn, he and his brothers grew up working the farm and playing baseball. Robert already had the love of his high school sweetheart, Clarene Wavrin, when he came of age in 1943 and enlisted in the Army Air Force. Robert became a member of the Eighth Airforce and completed 30 successful missions as a B-17 bombardier. He and his brother, Frank, both survived the war, and were lucky enough to meet up in Europe for a taste of home while serving their country. Robert was the last surviving member of his flight crew upon his death in 2023.