Noel Benjamin Schleuning

Noel "Ben" Schleuning, born Christmas Day 1944 in Gillette, Wyoming, went to be with the Lord on May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Florence.

Ben enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965. He served in Vietnam and remained in the service until retirement in 1986 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Following his military career, Ben also retired from Lompoc Unified School District where he served as a Custodial Supervisor. After retirement, Ben also worked eleven years at Home Depot before finally retiring to pursue his hobbies and interests. He was a devoted family man with a remarkable work ethic, and faithfully worked two full-time jobs simultaneously to provide for those he loved.

Ben was President of The Iris Society for many years. His yard is full of beautiful iris blooms, his pride and joy. Ben and Flo organized rhizome sales each year in the community and participated in the annual iris shows. He also enjoyed playing all card games with friends and family, was extremely competitive, and was an awesome contender with the Grey Panthers in his bowling league.

Ben is survived by his wife Florence, son Jeff Schleuning (Leilani), daughters Jacqui Lopez (Branden), Jennifer Nelson (Ron), grandchildren Elizabeth Miron, Siam & Levi Schleuning, Kendall Lopez, Braden Lopez, Rebecca Nelson, Veronica Nelson, Benjamin Nelson, great-grandsons Maddox and Alexander Miron. His siblings Robin, Nancy, Leonard, Bob and Gayle. He is preceded in death by his parents Fritz and Madge, his granddaughter Wiyanna Nelson and grandson Jaxon Lopez.

The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to all who visited and cared for Ben as his health declined. You provided him with a social life from the comfort of his home.

A celebration of life is planned for Monday, June 8, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m. at Hope Chapel in Mission Hills; located at 3625 Rucker Road (reception immediately following).