Wesley Ernest Schliep, 92, formerly of Clay Center, passed away peacefully in Hastings Nov. 4, 2024.

Wesley was born April 10, 1932, in Lead, SD, to Oliver and Clara (Hinrichs) Schliep. He grew up in Clay Center, graduating with the class of 1950, and was drafted into the Army that same year. He served from 1950 to 1953. He returned to Clay Center after his time in the Army and began his lifelong farming career. In 1958, Wes met Marilyn Erthum and in March of 1959, the two were married. To this union five children were born, Lynette, Randy, Bruce, Brenda, and Sue. Wes and Marilyn made their home on a farm southeast of Clay Center and continued to call that place home for 63 years. Wesley enjoyed farming, collecting Farmall tractors,woodworking, and making jewelry out of rocks. Every year he looked forward to taking his tractor collection to display at the Old Trusty Antique Show in Clay Center.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marilyn of Hastings; son, Randy (Marla) Schliep of Waverly; daughters, Lynette Anderson of Clay Center, Brenda (Doug) Scoville of Clay Center, and Sue (Rick) Johnson of Louisville; 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Fran Schliep of Hastings, and Rosella Heuertz of Hastings; brother-in-law, Ron Ethington of Atlanta, GA, and many nieces and nephews.

Wesley was preceded in death by his son, Bruce Schliep; grandchildren, Jake and Tayler Johnson; parents, Oliver and Clara Schliep; parents-in-law, George and Nora Erthum; sister, Eileen Ethington; sister and brother-in-law, Ardis and Don Olson; brother, Duane Schliep; brother-inlaw, Darrell Heuertz, and brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Marge Erthum.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Wesley 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sutton, with Father Michael Zimmer presiding.

Military Graveside Services took place at the Clay Center Cemetery in Clay Center.

Memorials are to be directed to the family to be designated at a later date in honor of Wesley.

A livestream video of the Funeral Service will be on McLaughlin Funeral Chapel’s Facebook page. It is a publicly shared Facebook page, so you do not need a Facebook account.

McLaughlin Funeral Chapel was in charge of funeral arrangements for Wesley.

Visit www.suttonmemorial.com to leave condolences.