Joseph H. Schlanser

Joseph H. Schlanser, age 85, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025 at Serene Gardens of Hartland, MI. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday May 17th at Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Road, Solon, Ohio beginning with visitation at the church at 9:00 am followed by Mass at 10:00 am. Burial will be immediately following at South Russell Village Cemetery, 5205 Chillicothe Road, South Russell, Ohio.

Joe was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 11, 1939 to Gertrude (Huber) and Elbert Schlanser. The family soon moved to the longtime family home in La Grange, Illinois and spent summers on Lauderdale Lakes in Wisconsin where the highlight of the summer was the annual water ski show. He had a passion for teamwork and the sport of hockey playing for Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois and then for St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota. He met his future wife, Aurinee Maus, during his college years. They married on August 4th, 1962 and raised 3 children together moving from Wisconsin to Ohio where they lived until they moved to Pennsylvania and later Michigan for care by his family in his final years.

After college, Joe proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserve, and then embarked on a successful sales career that began with Wisconsin Bell in Appleton, Wisconsin. His journey continued with A.O. Smith Company, where he helped launch software sales efforts, first in Milwaukee and later expanding into the Ohio territory following a move to Cleveland. His leadership in the software industry continued with senior roles at multiple companies before founding his own business, Total Management Systems, in 1986. For over 15 years, he specialized in helping manufacturing companies find the right software solutions—work he approached with integrity and determination.

Outside of his professional life, Joe was deeply committed to his family, community, and faith. Retirement brought many joys, from sunny days spent golfing and relaxing on Kiawah Island, South Carolina to treasured

time with his grandchildren. He generously gave back as a volunteer with Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity, where he served as board chair and was instrumental in launching the local Re-Store. He found great joy in being part of the weekly work crew, where his hands-on leadership and good humor made a lasting impact. Joe was an active member of his church community, Church of the Resurrection, where he and Aurinee belonged for over 40 years, faithfully serving in many roles including as a lector and cross-bearer.

Joe is survived by his children, Rob (Molly) Schlanser, Karen (Dave) Lehmkuhl and Janell (Paul) Malichky, his grandchildren, Evan and Justin Schlanser, Karl, Grant, Catherine and Mary Grace Lehmkuhl and Alec, Andrew and Adam Malichky. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sibling, Margo Rhyan.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Absolute Hospice who compassionately cared for Joe in his final months. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity, 34071 Vine Street, Eastlake, OH 44095.