Leland Norbert Schlittenhart

Leland “Lee” Norbert Schlittenhart was a beloved husband, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023 to be with his Lord and Savior in his heavenly home. His loving wife of 56 years was by his side at the time of death. Lee was born February 23, 1942 to Bernard “Barney” Ryan and Lila Mae (Schmidt) Schlittenhart. He was born at home in Glenmore Township, Brown County, near Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was the 8th child welcomed to an eventual large and boisterous family of 15 children. He left his family home when he was 12 and lived with various family and neighbors helping out with farm chores. At 14 years old he moved in with his Uncle Donald (Donnie) and Grandmother Schmidt. He learned a lot from his time on the farm and he loved spending time with his uncle. In 1959, Lee joined the United States Air Force where he worked as a firefighter. While in the service he was stationed in Morocco, North Africa. Upon leaving the Air Force in May of 1963, Lee moved to Southern California to be with the rest of his family after they relocated while he was overseas. He became a machinist and worked at Western Airlines for 10 years. In 1966, Lee met his wife Patricia “Pat” Ann (Deaton) and they married the following year in April. They have two children together, Anthony “Tony” Charles, and Amanda “Mandy” Jane. Lee moved his family to Tucson, AZ in 1977 and bought the Cask ’N Keg, an Italian Deli. He became very knowledgable about wine and foreign beers because of the selection he carried in the store. He conducted wine classes for the University of Arizona, the DM Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca Army Base. And he and his family were given private tours at Napa Valley wineries because he was the first in Tucson to carry Napa Valley wine. Because of his outgoing personality Lee made many friends at the deli that are still cherished today. In 1984 the business was sold and Lee became a car salesman. In 1988, the family moved back to Southern California where he and Pat stayed for the next 20 years. He retired from a prestigious career of selling cars in 2001. At his last two dealerships he was salesman of the month most of the time. People would comment to him how lucky he was because of his success but he would always reply that it wasn’t luck, he was blessed. Because of his faith he chose to sell for only family owned businesses that were honest dealerships. He made many great friends from customers and especially from co-workers and even his bosses. Lee and Pat moved back to the family home in Tucson, AZ in 2007. They became members of The Oasis Church and have been blessed with another ‘church family’ and friends. Lee loved traveling and together with his wife and children visited all 50 states. He also loved to entertain and he was the ultimate host to his guests. There was always an open door to all his friends and family. He wasn’t happy unless he was doing a project outside either on his tractor, planting or expanding his homes property. Lee leaves behind his wife Pat, his son Tony (and Traci), his daughter Mandy (and Gregory Rasmussen); four grandchildren: Kristin (and Jared Otto), Alexander “Alex”, Nicole (and Joshua Gammon), and Spencer (and Marisol); and four great-grandchildren: Gideon, Naomi, Silas and Miriam Otto. He is preceded in death by his parents Barney and Lila, by brothers Bernard Jr., Russell, Dennis, John, Mark, Loren and sister Virginia.

If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please send to The Oasis Church, Tucson, AZ.