Watch Earl's Funeral Mass

Earl Schlick, age 94, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Earl John Schlick was born at home on September 13, 1930, the son of Norbert and Katherine (Haider) Schlick.  He began his education at St. Michael's Catholic School until the fire in March of 1937, after which he attended Jesse Country School, followed by Mahnomen High School. During high school, Earl showed his athleticism by participating in track and basketball and serving as captain of the football team before graduating with the Class of 1949.  Following graduation, he continued farming with his father and eventually took over the home farm.

Earl was united in marriage to Cecelia Arends on June 22, 1957, at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Ada, MN.  As a lifelong resident of Mahnomen County, he and Cele made their home together on the farm where they raised their family.  Cele passed away in 1998 after 41 years of marriage, but not before they were able to take a memorable trip to Hawaii.

As a 3rd generation farmer, Earl had farming ingrained in him from a young age.  Farming wasn't just a job but a way of life.  He proudly passed on those skills and that knowledge to his son and grandson, who are now the 4th and 5th generations of Schlick farmers.  Over the years, he also farmed with neighbors: John Schick, Gerald Klinkhammer, Gene Janisch, John Neisen, and Darrel Neisen.  He primarily farmed small grains but also had cows and pigs in his early years.  Earl was his happiest when he was in the tractor!  He continued to help around the farm until last year.

Earl also drove school bus in his younger years and had several hobbies that kept him busy.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, listening to music, growing asparagus, and most importantly, caring for and spending time with his grandchildren.  When Earl wasn't in the tractor you could find him turning wrenches on vehicles, fixing anything in need of repair, woodworking, and restoring furniture.  He repurposed many beautiful pieces his family now treasures.

Earl was active with the Mahnomen Historical Society, the FSA Board, and was Co-Chair of the All School Reunion.  He was in the Knights of Columbus, as a Knight of the 4th Degree, and served on the Parish Council of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu.  His steadfast faith was evident in his day-to-day life, and he was an active part of St. Joseph's Parish, including helping with making the mashed potatoes for the fall dinner every year.  Earl was an advocate for education and always willing to help anyone in need.  He had many lifelong friendships, some of whom he met as an acquaintance through business and others who were in the family including Gene Haider, who he thought of as his "number two son." His special companion for many years was Eunice Bellanger.  All family, near and far, were important to Earl.  He faithfully cared for and tended to the many family and friends' gravestones across multiple counties and townships every Memorial Day weekend.  He will be greatly missed by many.

Earl is survived by his children and grandchildren: Cindy (Bill Tiede) Schlick and their children, Christopher and Eric, Cheryl (Larry) Schlick-Johnson and Gary (Rose) Schlick and their children, Brody and Isabella; a sister, Sharon (Richard) Jokumsen; brothers-in-law: Donald Arends, Harold (Diane) Arends, Jack (Sherry) Arends and Charlie Klinck; sisters-in-law, Jan Hallberg and Irene Arends; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Katie; wife, Cecelia; parents-in-law, George and Leona (Brommenschenkel) Arends; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ervin (Barbara) Schlick and Marvin (Cynthia) Schlick; sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine (George) Blackmore; sisters-in-law: Mary Agnes (Pete) Gagner, Rose Klinck, Julie Arends, Carolyn Arends and Bernadette (Miles) Sobolik; brothers-in-law: Joe (Muriel) Arends, Gerald Arends and Jim Hallberg.

Blessed be the memory of Earl John Schlick.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm with a Prayer Service & K.C. Rosary beginning at 3:30 pm on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN.    Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 31, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.