Walter Oscar Schlinke, 97, of Nordheim affectionately known to all as “PoPo” went to be with God on Friday September 30, 2016. He was born on October 13, 1918 in the Valley View community north of Cuero to Oscar and Johanna Wolter Schlinke. He was baptized on April 13, 1919 and confirmed on June 4, 1933. On November 24, 1938 he married the love of his life, Lunes Bues Schlinke. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Nordheim, TX.
During World War II, he served with the United States Army, 7th Infantry Division as an Anti-Tank Gun Crewman and Cook, in Germany, from November 25, 1944 through July 17, 1946. He was employed by Janssen’s International as a mechanic for 33 years. He was a member of the Nordheim Fire Department, Nordheim Shooting Club, American Legion Post No 272 and a 75-year member of Herman Sons Lodge. He also served as a Nordheim School Board Trustee and he served on the Nordheim City Council. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 77 years, Lunes Schlinke; his sisters: Lillian Roznovsky, Rosie Cross, Agnes Oehlke, Johanna Wild, his brothers: Oscar Schlinke and Johnnie Schlinke. He is survived by sons Dennis (Carolyn) Schlinke, of Nordheim and Dr. James Schlinke, DVM, of Laredo; five grandchildren, Christine (Terry) Brasher of Runge, Connie (Don) Smart of Runge, Clint (Ashley) Schlinke of College Station, Brent (Marina) Schlinke of El Paso and Clay (Jessica) Schlinke of Blanco; fourteen great-grandchildren Courtney (Shane) Kulik, Candace Franke, Caitlynn Smart, Claire Smart, Caryn Smart, Grant Schlinke, Hudson Schlinke, Gage Schlinke, Jacob Schlinke, Erik Schlinke, Rachel Schlinke, Tyler Schlinke, Tristan Schlinke, & Meadow Schlinke; two great-great-grandchildren, Colt Speed and Cinley Kulik; two step great-grandchildren, Johnathan Brasher & Christopher Brasher; and sister, Martha Oehlke. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 3, 2016 from 5pm to 7pm at Finch Funeral Chapel in Yorktown. The funeral will be Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 10 am at Finch Funeral Chapel in Yorktown with the Reverend Sue Irvin officiating. Interment will follow with military honors at the Nordheim Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brent Schlinke, Clay Schlinke, Clint Schlinke, Terry Brasher, Don Smart and Michael Franke. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his long-time personal home care provider, Simona Perez and her staff and the healthcare providers at Accolade Hospice. Memorials can be made to his lifelong church, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Nordheim, the volunteer fire department of Nordheim or the donor’s choice.