Kenneth Leon Schelling

Kenneth Leon Schelling passed away on September 27, 2017 at the age of 92. He was born on November 24, 1924 to Elizabeth and Leo Schelling in Exeter, California. In 1929, when he was five, Ken's father started a retail business and the family moved to Visalia. Ken attended local schools, graduated from high school, and then attended COS. In 1942, Kenneth enrolled in the Naval College Program at the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. A veteran, Ken served our country in the Pacific during WWII. Upon returning home from service, he was employed by the Tulare County Planning Department and was responsible for re-designating country lanes as roads and avenues. Subsequently, Ken went into partnership with his father in the retail business, where he remained until his retirement in the year 2001. Best known as the owner of Schelling's Menswear, many people remember obtaining their letter jackets from him or getting the best suit they ever owned. A perfectionist about each detail of fit and fashion, Ken outfitted many people with tailor-made suits and accessories. The embodiment of class and elegance himself, he would share his immense knowledge and work tirelessly to ensure ultimate perfection and maximum style for each person he served. Multiple fittings were often required to attain this level of excellence. After retirement, Ken worked with his good friends, the Links, at Links Menswear until he finally decided to completely retire. Helping his community was important to Ken. He helped form the Downtown Visalian's Organization and was a director on the first board. He was also an active Rotarian and a member for 45 years. Generous, kind, loving, humble, and elegant to the end, Ken always put others before himself and communicated with kindness and respect. Ken loved skiing, tennis, and socializing with his friends. He was very loved by his family, which includes his beloved partner of 45 years, Marla, his daughter Christianne (Andrew), his close cousins Sid, Bob, and Betty Schelling, and his caretaker Gloria Gutierrez. Ken will miss his buddies at the downtown coffee group; they met daily to socialize and solve the problems of the world. The sorrow felt in Ken's passing is not due to the way he passed because he went gently, with love all around him. The sadness we feel is for ourselves because he was an exceptional man who enhanced our lives and those of countless others. The family's wishes are that, in lieu of gifts, charitable donations be made to your charity of choice. That is the best way to honor our beloved Ken. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Ken's life will be held on October 21st from 1-3 pm at the Vintage Press.

Kenneth Leon Schelling

November 24, 1924 - September 27, 2017