Vincent Jerome Schlichter, 90, devoted husband of Mary Ann and father of five children, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019.

Vin was born on April 5, 1929, in Lakeville, Minnesota, to William and Caroline (Mueller) Schlichter. The family eventually settled near Austin, Minnesota, where he met Mary Ann Kruger; they married on June 24, 1948.  They raised five children – Barbara, Harold, Norbert, Sherri and John.

After farming in partnership with his brothers for 13 years, Vin and Mary Ann set off on their own and settled in Rose Creek, Minnesota, in 1962. They bought a 578-acre farm, where they worked the land and raised their family. Vin prided himself on his love of the land and being a progressive farmer.

Vin was diagnosed with cancer in 1985 and he and Mary Ann retired to Phoenix, Arizona. Vin loved his new adopted state and lifestyle. He and Mary Ann were avid travelers, taking many weekend trips to towns in Arizona and the U.S., plus travels to Europe, the U.K., Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada. Vin was a collector of antiques, trains and various oddities, but his passion was cars. He often attended racing events and enjoyed watching races on TV.  He was very proud of his German heritage, enjoyed a good polka, reminiscing about his mother’s cooking and visits from family.

Vin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Caroline; his brothers, Urbin, Norbert, Ansgar, William, Theodore and Paul; sisters, Beatrice, Genevieve, Angeline, Helen and Frances; grandson, John P Thiele; and daughter-in-law, Karen Schlichter. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; children, Barbara Gingrass (Tim), Harold Schlichter (Karen), Norbert Schlichter (Shauna), Sherri Wick (Larry) and John Schlichter (Deb); grandchildren, Michael, Michele, Brandon, Emily, Eric, Nolan, Jeff, Catherine, Jeremy and Laura; many great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Vin has one surviving sister, Gertrude Hannam.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.