Date Of Birth: December 16, 1942
Date Of Death: January 28, 2009
Eric Schleef, 66, was called home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2009.Eric was born in Lockport, New York in December 16, 1942 to Albert and Edith Schleef.He was self-employed, owning and operating Eric Schleef Illustration and Design, specializing in Architectural drawings.Eric was a marathon runner, Butler basketball fan, and avid reader.Eric was a member of Divine Savior Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder.He is survived by his wife Sandy; children Debra (David) Rhodes, Martha (Ron) Eiland, David (Tristan) Schleef, and Margret Schleef; five grandchildren; two brothers and one sister; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Harry W. Moore Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, on Sat, Jan 31st from 5-8pm, and one hour prior to the service at the Church.A Celebration of Life will be held at Divine Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church on Sunday, Feb 1st at 2:30pm with Pastor James Schulz officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to Divine Savior Lutheran Church.
Chad Heidi Ava and Ella Biesterfeld says
Schleef Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Eric was always so wonderful to us in our ministry at Divine Savior. He was a blessing to all who crossed his path. Find comfort in God’s Word, and know that we are praying for your family!
Tip and Phyllis Schleef Parker says
May God be with you and comfort you.
In sympathy,
Tip and Phyllis Parker
Liz Elizabeth Chelsea Joseph and Mackenzie McShurley says
Dear Sandy and family,
May our Lord and Savior wrap you in His loving arms as He has welcomed Eric into eternal life. I pray that He will bring you comfort and strength in the coming days knowing that you WILL see Eric again. May God bless you all.
With love…
Steve Laurie Tyler Busch says
Dear Schleef Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Eric will be missed. He was always so kind to our family…we will miss that.
With Love and Sympathy,
Steve, Laurie & Tyler Busch
Sylvester Family says
Schleef Family
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Eric; he will certainly be missed. Our prayers are with you and the Schleef family.
Donna, Larry and Devon Sylvester
Ben Vickie and Sarah Tewes says
We were very sad to hear of your families loss. Find comfort that he is in Heaven with Jesus.
Jerry and Zola VonDeylen says
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. However, we are reassured of a reunion in heaven some day. God’s blessings and our deepest sympathy to Sandy and his children and grandchildren.
Joe Holman says
I just want to pass along my prayers to the Schleef family. Eric was always a very gracious person and I enjoyed working with him through the years in creating communications for the church. I believe one of Eric’s most admirable traits was his humbleness. He always had a smile and shared kind words in conversation.
Tom and Trudy Wooddell says
We are sorry for you loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Sandra and Jerry Challis says
Our Prayers are with you. Eric will be deeply missed in our hearts. I remember when he was our elder. He help us grow in faith. He was a wonderful strong christian person who touched life of many. Sandy we are here for you.
Love the Challis family,
Angie Rimmert says
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May God hold you in the comfort of His loving arms in all the days to come as you mourn. What joy we have in the knowledge that he is with our Father in heaven.
John and Jerilyn Ward says
Dear Schleef Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are happy to know that Eric is with the Lord, and we are praying for your comfort and that God will give you all strength to face the days ahead. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
With love,
John and Jerilyn
April Sjoblom says
Martha and Family,
I was very sorry to hear of your sudden loss. I can think of no words to say. From what I have seen, you can find comfort in knowing he is in a much better place with our Savior. You are in my thoughts often, but now you’ll be in my prayers as well. Wish I could be there with you.
Lola Gaston says
Dear Schleef Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you through this difficult time.
Lola, Mark & Lauren
Joe Boggs Jamie Jo Bowling says
Eric was my sunday school teacher in middle school. He was always a fixture at Divine Savior as long as I can remember. I really got to know him through serving with him on Elders and Early Childhood Education comittees. You could always count on a very honest and thought out answer. People listened when he talked because he was loved and respected by his fellow members. He will be greatly missed.
Caryl Sprague says
Dear Sandy,
You are in my thoughts and prayers for God to bring you peace and comfort in the coming days ahead. I wish I could be there with you, but it is not possible at this time. I am asking our Lord to wrap you in his loving arms and keep you especially close to Him now. I love you…. Caryl
Rebecca Forrest says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Rebecca
Marc Carey and Madeline Larson says
Sandy and Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. May you find peace and joy knowing that a loving husband and father is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will definately miss his intellect and silent leadershinp at Divine Savior.
Love,
Marc Carey and Maddie Larson
Gretchen Schulz says
Shortly after moving to Indy, I ran into Eric at the IMCPL book sale. We talked of our love for reading & books. This is a fond memory. Eric’s support of my husband’s ministry at Divine Savior has meant more than words can say. He was a great example of Christian love & dedication to our Lord. Sandy and Martha and all of the Schleef family, may you feel God’s loving presence now and in the days to come.
Jim Kienle FAIA says
It was always a pleasure to work with Eric over the 25 plus years since he came to Indianapolis to join me and my colleagues at the Archonics Partnership. He always brought a sense of cheerfulness, helpfulness and collaboration to all the work we undertook together. He made a great contribution to the work of many architects and designers throughout Indiana and beyond. We will all miss him dearly and wish his family our sincerest condolences.
Drew White says
Eric was a kind person who always provided a great smile and beautiful drawings. His rendering style was special and understated. His ability to capture the essence of a building was his strength.
Laura Wunder says
Sandy and Family,
Although I never met Eric, I always enjoyed speaking to him on the phone and I could tell that he was a great husband, father, and grandfather. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Wunder
Jon and Lori Vardaman says
Sandy and Family – We were so taken aback by the news of Eric’s sudden passing. He was very kind in welcoming Jon as a member of Divine Savior and we will miss our friendly chitchat with him after services. God bless you in your time of grief, and may you find comfort in His steadfast assurance that we will be reunited with our loved ones again in heaven. With sympathy,
Michelle Grayson says
We are so sorry for your unexpected loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. We love you bunches and bunches!!!
Michelle, Nathan, Bryan & Brandon
Connie Baldwin says
On behalf of the Orlando Police Department, please accept my sincere condolences. Your family members are in my prayers.
Eric Fulford and Ann Reed says
We are stunned. We saw Eric this Fall during the AIA Homes tour and he looked his usual effervescent self. We will remember his quick smile, the beauty he brought to his profession, and good spirit he shared with us.
ERIC+ANN
Dave Lois Lewis says
Sandy & Family…..Our love and prayers are with you at this very sad time. May God’s love surround you all and keep you in His Almighty care.
keith clark says
Eric was always a professional that provided our firm with the most beautiful creations that helped to shape our dreams as well as the publics. I worked with him on many projects while I was at Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf in Indianapolis. He will be missed by our profession and my condolences to all of you.
Vikki Kramer says
Dear Sandy and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers for the loss of a wonderful husband, father,brother, Uncle, grandfather and friend. Sandy, I can’t begin to feel your heartache but please count on me to help you heal with your grief. I am praying for you to have great strenght during this sad time of your life. Your walking buddy, Love Vikki
Craig Von Deylen says
The world has lost a faithful and devoted Christian; a loving and wonderful father and grandfather; a nationally recognized artist; an irreplaceable member of the design community, and so much more. We will all miss his warm and friendly presence. Sandy, you and the children and grandchildren are in our prayers. We hope for your comfort in the peaceful assurance of your eventual reunion in heaven.
With Love,
Craig, Jennifer, Max, Lily, Claire, and Gunnar
Scott Perkins says
Through his work, Eric helped make the world a more beautiful and hospitable place. Every interaction with him was reassuring and uplifting.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Don and Linda Freeman says
Sandy and family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric but taking comfort knowing that he is resting in the arms of our loving Savior. We will hold dearly the memories of his patient, caring and loving demeanor.
Special peace,
Don and Linda
Jeremy Cathy Carter Zahn says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Sandy and the Schleef family. Eric was a devout Lutheran who led by example. We will miss his high spirit and kindness. He always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Schleefs.
Jeremy, Cathy & Carter Zahn
Judith says
To Margo and her family,
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. I know there’s nothing I can say that no one else would say, but my thoughts are with you.
Margo, love you lots.
Judith
Bryan Schwarz says
It was my privilege to be Eric’s pastor for nine years. He faithfully served on the evangelism committee as well as the elders’ committee during my years there. God’s love and grace were evident in Eric’s life in his great love for the souls at Divine Savior as well as the lost souls in the community. His dedication to souls was also seen in the many years he served as a Sunday School teacher. Closer to home he modeled Christ’s love to his family, friends and grandchildren. It is apparent God’s mission for Eric has been accomplished and he is now enjoying the promise of salvation his faith so firmly held on to and that now lives in others through his witness. He was a great blessing and will be missed by our family. I look forward to my reunion with him in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pastor Schwarz, Michele, Jared, Rachel, Luke & Sarah
Marcie Boyer says
Sandy and family – I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are all in my prayers and that your love for Eric and each other will give you strength. Take care!
Kent and Gayle Fields says
Sandy and Family, Words can’t describe the loss that so many will feel without Eric. He was such a devoted family man and a tremendous inspiration and fine example for all of us. Our church was greatly blessed by his devotion and by the honorable and Christion life that he led. His mild mannered approach to life and his intellect has always touched us. May we all strive to live our lives for Jesus as he did.
Joe Mary Etta Bersig says
Sandy and family- May the Lord give you the strength and comfort you each need during the days ahead. Eric will be missed,but knowing he is with the Lord gives us joy.
Tracy Hoffmaster Piec says
Martha and Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Tracy
Dawn Jacksland says
Aunt Sandy, Debbie, Martha, David and Margo
Please know that all of you are in my thoughts.
Uncle Eric was one of the first true intellectuals that I remember as a child. His love of art, design, drawing, photography and literature had a great impact me. The house that he designed and built in Durand for his family was a stark contrast to anything that I had ever imaged. The clean lines, cement block walls, open soaring common spaces and small cozy built-in private spaces were different than the 70GÇÖs ranch houses that were the norm of the time. His approach always reminded me to break away from traditional thinking and to find beauty in the simplicity of nature. He was the catalyst for my interest in Frank Lloyd Wright and Ayn Rand. A passion I still follow today and derive great pleasure from. Uncle Eric designed my house after seeing the site one time. He created a place that took advantage of the south sun to naturally warm it in the coldest of New York winters. A place that is open and feels like the beautiful birch and pine trees that surround it are actually a part of it. He designed a place that reflects him, open, honest, common spaces and private cozy private spaces. He is a man that lead by example not by force. Although distance separates the day to day cadence of peopleGÇÖs lives, it doesnGÇÖt wash away their memories. For this I am grateful.
God bless all of you,
Love,
Dawn Ej and Morgan
David Vickie Joe Ben Tonak says
Sandy & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. We were blessed by the loving service that Eric provided to our family as an elder and Sunday School teacher. His friendly greetings on Sunday mornings will be missed, but we rejoice in his example of faith and the knowledge that he is with our Savior.
Love, Dave, Vickie, Joe & Ben Tonak
Carolyn Bodary Freshour says
Sandy and Family, Our thoughts and prays are with yous. The Schleef Family were our neighbors when I was growing up. Next to the school in Owosso Michigan The Bodary Family
Jo Ann Weber says
Sandy & Family,
Sandy, although I had never met your husband or your family, you have always spoken with such love for all. My heart goes out to you and your family. In our short conversations in the past few years and as I have listened to you speak, I knew that Eric was fine man, a man of faith, and knew his Lord personally. Sandy when you are ready, many in your Butler family are very willing to help and assist in anyway we can. Even if it just an afternoon cup of coffee and to sit silently together. We love you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and Eric’s entire family.
Rhonda says
Dear Sandy, cousins & family,
Was sadden to hear of Eric’s death. Fondly remember all the times of our childhood when Eric, Judy, Doug and Charles would come with Aunt Edith and Uncle Albert back to Gasport to spend a week with Grandpa and Grandma Rosenthal, and also to my parents – oh so many years ago which left many fond memories.
Years may separate family and friends, but the heart never does.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
God Bless,
Rhonda and Dick Berner
Jessica Berner
Aaron & Jenny Berner and baby Jacob
Laura Miller says
I just wanted to add to what I see is a great outpouring of love for you all. Thank you so much for including me in the family Christmas, made even more precious now. “Dad” will always be remembered fondly.
Riky and Jack Drenovsky says
Sandy and family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Eric. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
In sympathy,
Riky and Jack Drenovsky
Lynn Levy says
I am shocked by this news. It was my privilege and my pleasure to work with Eric for more than 15 years. As a wonderful person and an incredibly gifted professional, he will be greatly missed. My sympathy is with his family at this difficult time.
Julie says
Sandy,
May God give you what you need during this time and sustain you all the days of your life.
Love,
Julie Schafer
Frank M Costantino CoFounder American Society of Architectural Illustrators ASAI says
Eric was an avid and active supporter of the ASAI, a Board member for a few years, and was always thrilled to have his work accepted into the shows. I was taken with his quiet, confident demeanor when I first met him some 20 years ago; he was always a pleasure to talk with, at our many conferences in various cities, about his drawing work and creative interests.
I was recently at the Art Institute of Indy for the ASAI exhibit, and we had a wonderful time during that Fall visit – which seems like only yesterday – and I enjoyed re-connecting with Eric, sharing a sumptious dinner with other friends at the AI, a historic tour and laugh-filled lunch in Zionsville, and having a long, pleasant conversation as he drove me back to the airport.
There was much depth to this multi-talented man, which surfaced in response to a reciprocal kindness, and was always willingly shared. His gentle manner drew my greatest respect and abiding friendship. I extend my deepest regrets to his wife and family at this most difficult time. I will say quiet prayers for Eric too.
TamotsuThomas Yamamoto says
Eric, you took care of me and JARA members personally when we were in CHicago. I never forget…
Mel Bohlmann says
Dear Family of Eric Schleef –
Except for a SCHLEEF Reunion in Woodowrth IL, I have never met you or Eric – my 2nd cousin. His STAR obituary caught my attention while visiting Indy. I had attended a Butler-VU game. (Did we ever cross paths at previous Butler games?) I regret not knowing him. From the obituary and Guestbook messages, Eric is revealed as a wonderful Christian example of other SCHLEEFs for past generations I have known. [His sister Judith provided valuable data for the SCHLEEF book.]May the Lord bless you as you follow Eric Schleef’s precious heritage.
Thomas W Schaller says
My deepest sympathies to Eric’s family and friends. He was a kind man and a gifted artist. He will be greatly missed.
Tom Schaller
Frank Bartus says
I got to know Eric through his association with ASAI. Eric served as treasurer for this organization and also greatly influenced many other members who have noted his kindness. In reading the guestbook it is no surprise to read of his involvement with his Church and his service as a Christian. His family is in my prayers.
Frank
Kevin Osburn says
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news. I was fortunate to work with Eric on several of our projects and will always appreciate his calm, patient manner and the detailed attention to his craft. Through his remarkable talent, he was able to give life to our work and positively affect the lives of many people. He will be missed.
Tamara HorchPrezioso says
On behalf of American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI), I would like to express my condolences to Eric’s family. Eric was a great man and a very talented artist. I got to work with him during his term as Board Treasurer (2005-06). I feel so very blessed to have known him. Eric was always very kind and upbeat and will be greatly missed.
Kurt Hozak says
Aunt Sandy and family,
Uncle Eric was a good, nice, and classy man. I will miss him. You will continue to be in my prayers.
Emily Robison says
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wish you love, support, and peace.
Charles Tyler says
I just heard about Eric’s passing this morning. Sandy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Eric was a special friend and colleague of mine. He was such a multi-talented man with a great spirit. I hadn’t seen him for awhile but any time we got back together it was as if we had just seen each other the day before. He will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.
Steven H Logan says
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. It was just last December he worked on bringing one of my ideas to the page. Over the last 25 years, Eric brought so many of my projects to life, and his talent, and warm, cordial demeanor will be greatly missed.
Michael Reardon says
It is with great sadness to hear about Eric’s passing. He was a truly gifted colleague. He was a truly kind gentleman. In our profession he will be sorely missed.
Liz Plath says
Dear Sandy and family,
I was shocked to hear of Eric’s death. I had taught with his father for two years at Salem in Owosso, and had just started to develop a friendship with Eric at Divine Savior. He definitely was easy to visit with, and will be missed by many. We know he is with his Savior. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Robert Frank says
My deepest sympathies go to Eric’s family. I always enjoyed talking with Eric at the ASAI conventions. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.
Barbara Ratner says
Eric replaced me at Archonics in Indianapolis in 1983, but I met him through ASAI, the American Society of Architectural Illustrators. He came to most of our annual conventions, and I always talked with him about Indiana, mutual friends, and the freelance illustration business. He was modest, had a dry sense of humor, and was clearly deeply involved with the lives of his children. I
looked forward to seeing him because of our shared background and his unflappable charm. He was a lovely man, and I send sympathy for their loss to his wife Sandy and their children.
Kris Krumanaker says
Sandy–I just found out about Eric. I was so sad to hear about his passing. I hope you all are doing well. It’s been too long since we talked. Love–Kris