Earl Leonard Schleiden

Earl Schleiden, 76, of San Jose passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Born in Pennsylvania in 1949, the son of the late Elmer and Mary Schleiden. He was a passionate outdoorsman and an avid hunter and fisherman since he was a young boy. These were some of his favorite memories with his dad, siblings, and cousins that continued out in California with his brother-in-law, son, and friends who were like family. He enjoyed playing football all his childhood and later as a young adult shortly after moving to California, playing for Gavilan College in Gilroy after high school. This led to a short time on the San Francisco 49er practice squad.

Earl worked in construction and took pride as a Plasterer for over 30 years. He met his wife Janet on a blind date and they married in 1971, just celebrating 54 years of marriage in December 2025. Earl was a devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather. Earl was someone who always made the time to call and check in with family and friends. These phone calls were always guaranteed to be a minimum of 30 minutes. Nothing was more important than family and friends, and most of all the sharing and reminiscing stories.

Earl will be missed by those who survive him; wife, Janet; daughter, Penny; and son, Kevin. In addition, he leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Cal (14), Autumn (13), Mitchell (10), Noelle (6), and Shelby (5).

We know with absolute certainty that he is keeping a watchful and caring eye on his loved ones.

Forever missed and always in our hearts.

Published in Hollister Free Lance · February 4, 2026