Larry Schlensig

     Larry Dean Schlensig was born on October 9, 1958, in Sioux City, Iowa, and adopted by Roger and Wilma (Kroll) Schlensig of Dunlap, Iowa. He grew up on the farm west of Dunlap, milking cows (getting his Popeye arms), raising hogs (where he saved his sister) and farming 280 acres with his father. Larry was confirmed at the St. John Lutheran Church in Dunlap. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lucille Carter, on March 4, 1992, at the chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Larry was a talented mechanic, completing his first course at 13 on motorcycles, where he started his career. He also excelled in sports, playing varsity football in his freshman year, lettering all four years and was named Southwest Football Player of the Year two years in a row. Larry loved all things mechanical, opening his own shop on July 1st, 1990. His light shone brightly as he was the mechanic for all four cars of Tennant racing, working days and turning wrenches all night. He was voted mechanic of the year three years in a row at the Denison Speedway which was a sanctioned NASCAR track. Gordy Buck drove to a championship, Kim Buck was the first woman to win the Tiny Lund Special and his wife won several championships. Larry was so proud of them and they of him. In his career, Larry was committed trying to fix it right the first time. He went out of his way to make sure your vehicle ran correctly or find the place that could. Larry could be grumpy or growly, but after 5 p.m. you could find him at his favorite watering hole for happy hour. Many customers would ask for his skills, whether pulling a calf, fixing their tire or if something was wrong with their tractor. Larry was always at his wife’s side when NUF days in Shelby, Iowa came around “the beer man”. Larry carried his love of football on, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and Dunlap Bulldogs. He loved NHRA racing and spent 10 years in a row going to Topeka, Kansas accompanied by many friends through the years. His favorite driver in NASCAR racing was Kyle Petty.

     Larry passed away on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, at the age of 67 years, one month and 20 days. He leaves behind a legacy that includes a love of motors like no other, and life full of laughter and hard work.

     Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Wilma Schlensig. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille of Shelby, Iowa; step-daughter, Heather Bucklin of Newton, Iowa; three step-grandchildren; one step great granddaughter; sister, Linda (Ken) Hicks of Dunlap; sisters-in-law, Tammie (Bernard) Lahart of Burlington, Iowa and Sally (Joe) Carter of Russell, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Duke (Terri) Carter of Melrose, Iowa, Clay Carter of Albia, Iowa, Jeff Carter of Des Moines, Iowa and Timothy (Julie) Carter of Hiteman, Iowa; special friends, Shane Havick, Bill Knudson and adopted son, Kyle Boettger; and many, many other relatives and friends.