Karl Schleckman
A True "Utah" Man
Our beloved family patriarch, Karl Henry Schleckman, passed away August 30, 2007 after a courageous battle with Father Time.
Born July 25,1915 in Taylorsville, Utah to Katie Holder and Jacob Heinrich Schleckman. Karl was the youngest of four children. Following the death of both of his parents by the age of 12, he was lovingly raised by his sister, Sarah.
After the death of his parents, Karl began heading down a rough path. A confrontation with football coach Rex Sutherland challenging him to prove how tough he was by trying out for football was all he needed to begin an illustrious career in athletics.
He was an all-star tackle for Granite High School (1932-33); State Football Champion (1932) and Student Body Court (1933-34). Following high school, he enrolled at the University of Utah where he was a varsity tackle (1934, 1936-37); all-conference (1936-37); captain (1937); honorable mention all- American (1938); played in the East West Shrine Game (1938); was undefeated in wrestling (1935-38); lettered in track, hammer throw (1935-38); and qualified in the quarter finals of the Olympic tryouts in wrestling in 1936.
Karl was honored for his accomplishments by being awarded the Chronicle Award, Skull and Bones, Beehive Honorary Society, Moss Medal, U of U All Century Football Team, Crimson Club Hall of Fame, and the Utah Hall of Fame
He turned down an opportunity with the Detroit Lions to pursue his passion by coaching at the University of Utah from 1938 to 1957. During that time, he proudly served as a Naval Officer in the United States Navy during World War II. He also became involved with the University of Utah College of Health, becoming an Assistant Dean of Health and Physical Education. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing an Emergency First Aide program. He was honored for his contributions through the establishment of the Karl Schleckman Scholarship in the Department of Health Promotion and Education in 1992. He retired as professor emeritus in 1980.
He met his wife, Arvilla Ruth White, May 31, 1936. They were married June 1, 1939. It was a love affair that lasted 63 years. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Carol and Dian.
Karl was an honorable man, remembered by many, forgotten by few for his strength, moral integrity, passion, patience, and dedication.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Katie; siblings, Sarah, Joseph, and Alma; and his loving wife, Ruth. Survived by his daughters, Carol Brophy (Bountiful, UT) and Dian Crystal (Sonora, CA); granddaughter, Angela Petersen (Woods Cross, UT); grandsons, John Brearton (Los Gatos, CA) and Stuart Brearton (San Leandro, CA); great-grandchildren, Jessica and Nicholas; and nieces, Jolene (Richard) Langford and MaryAnn (Fred) Meese.
The family would like to thank MaryAnn, Fred, and Jolene for their loving support of Karl as he prepared to leave us, also to the caring staff of the Transitional Care Unit at Lakeview Hospital for giving him comfort and dignity. Last but not least, to Danitia for her beautiful voice.
Services will be held Tues. Sept. 4, 2007, 11 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South where friends may call from 10-11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Karl Schleckman Scholarship Fund, College of Health at 250 South 1850 East, Rm. 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0920 in order to support those who share his passion.
Auf Wiederzehen, Grandpa Great!