A memorial service will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Ave, Columbus, GA on June 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held in the Miller-Wilson Sunday School Room at St. Paul preceding the service at 1:00 PM.
Leo was born September 6, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to George and Marie Schladensky. After high school, Leo attended Penn State University for a year. He then transferred to Clemson University, where he earned his degree in Chemical Engineering in 1957. Following college, Leo served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Colonel. In 1958 while stationed at Fort McClellan, he obtained his pilot’s license and enjoyed participating in the Ft. McClellan Flying Club. It was during this time that Leo met Bobbie Carolyn Elders on a blind date, and they were married on November 15, 1959. Together, they raised three children during their 57-year marriage.
In 1969, Leo and his family moved to Columbus, Georgia after he accepted the position of Facilities Engineer at Fort Benning. Over the next two decades, he dedicated himself to the Department of Army Federal Service, receiving numerous accolades including the Army Commendation Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Leo’s extensive expertise in chemical and mechanical systems, construction, quality control, and project management paved the way for a long and impactful career to include Allied Chemicals, Phenix Regional Hospital and United Cities Gas Company.
He was always passionate about serving his community. He participated in various committees at Spring Harbor and on the boards of Historic Columbus Foundation and the Columbus Museum. Leo was a devoted member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir for over 50 years.
In 2022, Leo married Ruby Ingle, and they enjoyed two wonderful years together filled with chair volleyball, dominoes, and many social events at Spring Harbor.
Leo was a man with constant faith, a strong work ethic, and deep devotion to his family. He will be remembered for his love of Clemson and University of Georgia football, lengthy blessings before meals, joke-telling, his kind words, and the warm welcome he extended to all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bette Re Shettsline, and his first wife, Bobbie Elders Schladensky. He is survived by his wife, Ruby; his children, Pam Shuler (Homer), Fred Schladensky, Jr. (Muffy), Carolyn Ledbetter (Steve); grandchildren, Mattox Shuler (Kasey), Carolyn Bettin (Nick), Alysha Haber (Josh); great-grandchildren, Ellie Shuler, Sara Shuler, Charlie Bettin, Elias Haber, Odeliah Haber; brother Robert Schladensky (Faye); sister, Linda Geselbracht; step-children, Shay Ingle (Barbara), Bart Ingle (Mindy), Donna Gibbons (Tim); several step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, and so many nieces and nephews that he adored.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, GA 31906.
