THORNTON — Paul Arden Schlichting, 81, of Thornton, Iowa, passed away October 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of farming, faith, family and friendship that touched generations throughout northern Iowa.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 11, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Woodley Funeral Home, 107 N. Second Street in Thornton. Funeral services will follow Monday, October 12, at 10:30 a.m. at First Reformed Church, 620 Second Street in Meservey. Burial will take place at Pleasant View Cemetery following the service.
Born July 13, 1945, in Belmond, Paul was the eldest child of George and Frieda (Gruis) Schlichting. He grew up with deep roots in northern Iowa agriculture, working alongside his father and grandfather from an early age.
Paul graduated with the first graduating class of Meservey-Thornton High School in 1963. Farming became his lifelong calling, continuing until his retirement in 2023. The original family farm remains in the Schlichting family, where his son Bruce continues an agricultural tradition spanning generations.
On July 17, 1965, Paul married Mary Obrecht at Richland Lutheran Church in Thornton. Together, they built a life on the farm where they raised their three children, Brian, Bruce and Buffy.
The Schlichting farm was far more than a place to work. It was a home filled with adventures, laughter, childhood mischief and memories that would last a lifetime. From riding tractors and three-wheelers to sneaking kittens and piglets into the house, the children grew up surrounded by the joys of farm life.
Known for his welcoming smile, good nature and genuine interest in others, Paul had a gift for making everyone feel important. Whether speaking with a longtime neighbor or meeting a stranger, he offered friendship, kindness and a willingness to lend a hand.
His faith was another cornerstone of his life. Baptized and raised in First Reformed Church in Meservey, Paul later served as Sunday School superintendent, deacon and a longtime member of the church consistory.
Paul enjoyed cheering for the Iowa State Cyclones, Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. He was also a devoted NASCAR enthusiast, particularly fond of Dale Earnhardt Sr.
One of his proudest accomplishments was building a pond on the family farm. After countless hours of work, the pond became a gathering place where generations enjoyed fishing, swimming, paddle boating and memorable pond parties. Paul happily cleaned and grilled the fish his family caught.
His love of fishing also took him on trips to Arkansas, Canada and Minnesota with relatives and friends. Closer to home, he could often be found traveling the countryside in his Ranger, checking fields, visiting neighbors and enjoying the land he loved.
Yet nothing mattered more to Paul than his family. As his children grew and grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, his calendar filled with sporting events, dance recitals, gymnastics, wrestling meets and family celebrations. Whether sitting in the stands at a ballgame or attending a grandchild’s tea party, “Gramps” was a dependable and enthusiastic supporter.
Paul made it a priority to stay connected with everyone he loved. Although he was not particularly fond of cell phones, he spent countless hours visiting by telephone, checking on family members and following their accomplishments, challenges and milestones.
He was known for listening carefully rather than rushing to offer an opinion, often responding, “I have to think about this.” Above all, he rarely ended a visit or telephone conversation without saying, “I love you.”
Paul is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary; sons Brian (Catherine) Schlichting and Bruce (Marla) Schlichting; daughter Buffy (Bruce) Manthe; and a large family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His surviving family also includes his sister, Arlys (Russ) Thompson, great-aunt Melinda Pals, numerous relatives and treasured friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frieda Schlichting; his parents-in-law, Thayne and Opal Obrecht; several other loved ones; and his great-grandson, Cade Hanawalt.
In appreciation of the care provided to the community, the family has expressed a desire to honor the Meservey and Thornton Fire and EMT departments with memorial gifts.
Paul’s life was measured not simply in acres farmed or years worked, but in the generations he helped raise, the friendships he nurtured, the faith he practiced and the love he shared.
His complete obituary and opportunities to share condolences are available through Woodley Funeral Home.
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