John Leo Schlicht of Vassar, age 82, passed away peacefully Friday morning, June 11, 2021, at Symphony Tri-Cities in Bay City. He was born August 31, 1938, in Vassar, the son of the late John and Elsie (Abernathy) Schlicht. On May 21, 1960, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Auernhammer and after 61 years together she survives him. John was employed at General Motors Fisher Body for 35 years before retiring. John’s lifetime passion was farming and maintaining the family farm – Schlicht Farms. He loved to tinker in the barn and collect toy tractors.

Surviving family include his wife, Dorothy; sons, Jeff (Robin) Schlicht, John (Jennifer) Schlicht; grandchildren: Justin (Jessica) Schlicht, Nichole (Nathan) Palm, Kristine (Dave) Drysdale, Jonathan Schlicht, Robert (Krystal) Wilson, Hanna and Olivia Schlicht; great-grandchildren: Lily and Kaitlen Palm, Emily Schlicht, Jakob and Kelsie Schlicht, Lydia, Maisy and Aubrey Drysdale; sisters: Joann Wright, Delma Schultz, Ruth Ann Hausbeck; also surviving are many nieces, nephews and friends. John was preceded in death by his brother, Norm Sterling and sisters: Jean Stoick, Marian Rumford and Bonnie Hammer.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 3455 S. VanBuren Road in Richville. The Rev. Wes Gillaspie officiating with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family greeted friends on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Penzien-Steele Funeral Home, 149 N. Main St. in Vassar and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution may consider St. Michael’s Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.