Denise P. Schlawin
February 5, 1960 — April 20, 2024
Appleton
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Past Services
Visitation
Fox Valley Lutheran High School Auditorium
Sunday, May 5, 2024
1:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Christian Memorial Service
Fox Valley Lutheran High School Auditorium
Sunday, May 5, 2024
4:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Denise P. Schlawin
Denise P. Schlawin, a child of God, was called to his everlasting arms on Saturday morning, April 20, 2024, at her home. She was born February 5, 1960, in West Bend, daughter of Roger and Judith (Kaniess) Groeschel. Denise was baptized on March 6, 1960, and became a confirmed child of God on June 4, 1974. She graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1978, and Dr. Martin Lutheran College in 1982. She met Matthew Schlawin in college and they were married in 1982. In 1983, she received a divine call to serve at Fox Valley Lutheran High School – an opportunity she accepted with joy. She began in the Home Economics Department and soon was moved to the Art Department; here she remained for the rest of her teaching career. Over the years she led countless field trips with her students and led some more distant trips as well. Many students were treated to her overseas knowledge as they explored Europe together; she also guided mission trips to the Dominican Republic and to Zambia.
Being an art teacher, one must assume that Denise had some special skills. She was a gifted painter and she excelled in making hundreds of ceramic works of art. She was a talented crocheter and made baptism blankets, hats, and all sorts of needlework that she enjoyed giving as gifts. She was also an extraordinary cook and homemaker. She loved photography and had a camera with her almost everywhere she went. The many plants and flowers in the house and in the yard attest to her green thumb.
Denise dearly loved and actively supported Christian education in the schools of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa in Zambia. In partnership with the Vulnerable Children’s Foundation (VCF) Denise organized ministry trips in for FVL schools and led efforts to raise awareness and financial support for over 600 students taught on a daily basis in Lusaka. Pastor Jonathan Kangongo of the LCCA sent this message: Denise was a faithful servant and missionary of Jesus here in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa. We thank God for placing her in His Kingdom. My family and I will live to remember, Denise, as one of the greatest missionaries of modern days.
She is survived by her husband Matt Schlawin of Appleton; four children: Nathan Schlawin, Lauren (Nathan) Miller, Daniel (Olivera) Schlawin, and Justin Schlawin; her loving grandchildren: Isaiah, Titus, Miriam, and Maksim.
Other survivors include her parents: Roger and Judy Groeschel; siblings: Pam (Jeff) Schleif, Mark (Sherry) Groeschel, and John (Kris) Groeschel); her in-laws: Mary Schlawin, Ben Schlawin, Michal (Ken) Meek, Deborah Schlawin, Joseph (Karen) Schlawin, and Stephanie (Chuck) Schmid.
Please join us when we gather for a Christian Worship Service, prepared to give thanks to God for his gift of Denise to all of us. The service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in the auditorium of Fox Valley Lutheran High School, located at 5300 N. Meade Street in Appleton. A long-time friend and-co-teacher with Denise will officiate, Rev. David Wenzel. Friends are welcome at the auditorium on Sunday, the 5th, beginning at 1:00 PM.
At the time of the service, you may watch it live by clicking here:
Being an art teacher, one must assume that Denise had some special skills. She was a gifted painter and she excelled in making hundreds of ceramic works of art. She was a talented crocheter and made baptism blankets, hats, and all sorts of needlework that she enjoyed giving as gifts. She was also an extraordinary cook and homemaker. She loved photography and had a camera with her almost everywhere she went. The many plants and flowers in the house and in the yard attest to her green thumb.
Denise dearly loved and actively supported Christian education in the schools of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa in Zambia. In partnership with the Vulnerable Children’s Foundation (VCF) Denise organized ministry trips in for FVL schools and led efforts to raise awareness and financial support for over 600 students taught on a daily basis in Lusaka. Pastor Jonathan Kangongo of the LCCA sent this message: Denise was a faithful servant and missionary of Jesus here in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa. We thank God for placing her in His Kingdom. My family and I will live to remember, Denise, as one of the greatest missionaries of modern days.
She is survived by her husband Matt Schlawin of Appleton; four children: Nathan Schlawin, Lauren (Nathan) Miller, Daniel (Olivera) Schlawin, and Justin Schlawin; her loving grandchildren: Isaiah, Titus, Miriam, and Maksim.
Other survivors include her parents: Roger and Judy Groeschel; siblings: Pam (Jeff) Schleif, Mark (Sherry) Groeschel, and John (Kris) Groeschel); her in-laws: Mary Schlawin, Ben Schlawin, Michal (Ken) Meek, Deborah Schlawin, Joseph (Karen) Schlawin, and Stephanie (Chuck) Schmid.
Please join us when we gather for a Christian Worship Service, prepared to give thanks to God for his gift of Denise to all of us. The service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in the auditorium of Fox Valley Lutheran High School, located at 5300 N. Meade Street in Appleton. A long-time friend and-co-teacher with Denise will officiate, Rev. David Wenzel. Friends are welcome at the auditorium on Sunday, the 5th, beginning at 1:00 PM.
At the time of the service, you may watch it live by clicking here:
https://youtube.com/live/n_rVGSfuWLM?feature=share
Denise illustrated her God given talents daily by using color in everything she did. Anything from vivid and bold, to soft and soothing, Denise was able to make anything beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. In honor of her love for color, art, and life, we ask that everyone dresses to reflect that part of Denise, vibrant and beautiful. Dress in your colorful Easter best to remember the victory over death that Jesus won for Denise on that Easter morning.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to Fox Valley Lutheran High School Tuition Fund, Bethany Lutheran Building fund or Donate — Vulnerable Children’s Foundation.
From Denise: “Our lives here on earth may end at any time. I have never doubted God's plans for my life and for my salvation. Even in the darkest and hardest times, God was always there.”
"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God." Job 19:25-27
“I ask our children, whom I love and who have brought me great joy, never to forget the instructions of Christ to be faithful to Him until death. May God grant you peace, love, and strength to cling to Him by faith all the days of your life. I pray that you remain faithful so that at the end of time, we will be reunited in heaven.”
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Denise P. Schlawin, please visit our flower store.
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, May 5, 2024
1:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Fox Valley Lutheran High School Auditorium
Christian Memorial Service
Sunday, May 5, 2024
4:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Fox Valley Lutheran High School Auditorium
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