Lennis Roy Scheline

Lennis Roy Scheline March 1, 1948 - September 20, 2025 Lennis Roy Scheline, 77, of Kingsburg, California, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Saturday, September 20, 2025, leaving a legacy of good works for his family, friends, and community to carry on. Born in Kingsburg to Lloyd Elof and Ellen Marie (Boyle) Scheline on March 1, 1948, Lennie was the younger of two siblings. He graduated from Kingsburg High School in 1966 before earning a bachelor's degree from Fresno State, and later a master's degree. He returned to Kingsburg to teach and coach basketball at his alma mater before working at Del Monte Foods for more than 40 years. Whether running the sound system for the city band or jogging all over town in the heat of the afternoon Valley sun, Lennis was a fixture in the community. And he lived a life of service: As a lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kingsburg, he served in many capacities, from church council to lighting & sound technician to church bell-ringer (for 50 years!). He also stepped in as substitute pastor when needed, delivering his first sermon at age 18. Perhaps fittingly, he died just steps from the site of Concordia's 1887 founding. Lennis was an active member of the Kingsburg Public Safety Committee and served as a Kingsburg Police Department Community Service Officer, earning the KPD Volunteer of the Year award in 2006 and the Fresno/Madera Counties Police Chiefs' Association Citizen Award in 2011. Other volunteer positions Lennis held included the Friends of the Historic Kingsburg Depot, the Kingsburg Transportation Committee, and the Kingsburg City Band, where he was the "sound guy" for decades and later stepped up as announcer. His dulcet tones - he had a track record as jazz and classical deejay for Valley Public Radio - brought his relaxed vibe to the summer concert series. If there was a community festival, parade, or ceremony, Lennis would be there, including every Kingsburg Swedish Festival since its re-inception in 1966. (This is the point where he would chime in, good-naturedly, with factual corrections, historical trivia, and humorous anecdotes.) In short, Lennis Scheline embodied what it means to be a good citizen. His family was immensely proud when he garnered the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce 2008 Citizen of the Year award, for which he was officially commended by the Royal Family of Sweden for "carrying forward the Swedish tradition of honor and service to your community." A genealogy buff and computer wiz, he devoted much time to researching his lineage, connecting with far-flung cousins and eventually visiting Sweden. He traveled extensively with loved ones: Santa Cruz in the summers of his youth; Christmas in wintry Wisconsin in adulthood; and Europe, South Africa, the Caribbean, and across the USA from Maine to Hawaii in recent years. Lennis was preceded in death by his parents. Lennie is survived by his sister, Linda Scheline Hauenstein (Fred) of Kingsburg, their sibling relationship characterized by intermittent consternation and unconditional love. Lennis leaves behind his beloved partner, Jacqueline Johnson of Kingsburg. "Aunt Jacquie" quickly became an indispensable part of the family, joining "L" on many adventures as his patient companion and loving foil. He is further survived by Jacquie's children Michael (Larisa) Johnson, Ryan (Alicia) Johnson, and Wendy (Justin) Marquis, and six treasured grandchildren. Known as "Unk" or "Unkola" to the younger generations of his family and their friends, Lennie is survived by his nephews Daniel "Danzola" Frederick Hauenstein (Kristy) of San Carlos, California, and Michael "Mike-ola" Andrew Hauenstein (Kate) of Cedar Park, Texas; his great-niece Carmen Hauenstein, whom Unk was so proud of, traveling to her high school graduation in Texas earlier this year; and his great-nephews - and fellow science geeks - Rex "Rexola" Hauenstein of Cedar Park and Andru "Andru-ski" Hauenstein of San Carlos. Unk shared his love of the Las Vegas Raiders with Dan, Kristy, and Andru. Over the years, he traveled to attend games in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Ever the optimist, Unk liked to share the following quote (with a chuckle and a sly Al Davis impression): "The greatness of the Raiders is in its future." This might just sum up Lennis's philosophy of life. A memorial service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1800 Sierra St., Kingsburg, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 4. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Concordia Lutheran Church, Kingsburg City Band, or St. Jude. "Well done, good and faithful servant." -Matthew 25:21 Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.