Kermit D Schleicher

Born October 20, 1952 in Carlton, MN; passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN on his favorite holiday; October 31,2026 following complications after brain surgery. Kermit was born to parents Kermit G. and Gertrude E.(Norman) Schleicher in Carlton where he grew up with his 4 brothers and graduated from Carlton High School in 1970.

Kerm, as he was lovingly known as by so many people, met and married his devoted wife, Sharon (Casey) Schleicher August 15, 1992 in Hibbing, MN. Together they loved and raised 4 children- Lisa (Eric)Colbert, Stevens Point, WI; Sheila Colbert, Holladay, TN; Kevin Schleicher, Stratford, WI and Kyle (Alysha) Schleicher, Hibbing, MN. He was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Before retiring, Kerm worked for Shubat Transportation in Hibbing as a bus driver. Where he drove several hundreds of people on tours from all over Minnesota, Canada, Arizona, New York and Florida to name a few; transported hundreds of kids safely to and from school, the elderly to casinos, hundreds of college athletes to and from sporting events for Itasca Community College and Bemidgi State University. Before that he held positions in the transportation and service industry.

Kerm was a fighter and survivor. He survived 4 bouts of cancers – skin, kidney, colon and most recently esophageal cancer, he had survived 2 heart attacks 1 with an aortic dissection while managing diabetes. In the early morning of October 24, 2026, he fell at home, was transported to Fairview Hospital in Hibbing, MN, where a CT was done. Kerm was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and was swiftly taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Duluth MN where he underwent brain surgery.  Although the surgery was successful, Kerm experienced multiple set-backs during post-op, and remained in the ICU. For all that he had survived and fought through, his family never lost hope that he would pull through once again.

Kerm and Sharon spent many years running the BMX track in Hibbing. He helped coach his son’s ball team, prepared meals at the Salvation Army, and delivered Meals on Wheels to individuals who were homebound. He was always willing to give his time, share what he had, and help someone who needed it. He was also an avid reader, enjoying everything from suspenseful thrillers to how-to manuals. There was always something new to learn, something to fix, or something to try. His kitchen was often filled with homemade soups, sauces, baked goods, and new recipes he wanted to experiment with and share. Feeding people was one of the many ways he showed he cared.

If you knew Kerm, you probably also knew about his love for Minnesota sports. He was a PROUD and LOUD Minnesota Vikings fan, and Vikings-Packers games in the Schleicher household were never quiet! He loved his Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild, and could often be found watching football, baseball, or hockey, whether it was professional or college, cheering on the Bemidji State Beavers, UMD Bulldogs, and Minnesota Gophers. He enjoyed spending time at the Hibbing Raceway, watching and supporting his favorite racers, including the Esteys, Harry Hanson, and the LaBarges. Music was another love of his, especially Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Who, and Stevie Nicks. His favorite song being “Cats in the Cradle”.

Kerm is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his children and by brothers Lloyd (Flo), Bruce, Terry (Patty) and John “Butch”(Lynel); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kerm is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also preceded by a granddaughter- Jacie Koprowski, a great granddaughter- Sutton Samuels-Hartenstein and his beloved dogs, Coco and Jack.

We love you, Kerm. Your kindness, caring, love and laughter, your cooking, stubborn Vikings loyalty, and the countless ways you showed your love will live on through all of us.