Maurice Gale Schlaht, the eighth of ten children, was born August 6, 1924 at Herrick, South Dakota to Daniel and Amelia (Hochhalter) Schlaht and he died May 21, 2010 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, South Dakota, surrounded by his family, at the age of 85 years.
Maurie received his education in Herrick and area country schools. He graduated from Burke High School in 1944 after returning from Moline, Illinois where he worked for two years to help support his family. He was active in football, baseball and track. He continued his love for sports by watching and supporting his children and grandchildren as they participated in their sporting events.
Maurie was united in marriage to Sylvia Jean Iler on December 21, 1952 in Burke. They remained in Burke the rest of their 57 years together. To this union five children were born: Maurice James, Jr., Gregg Dana, Melinda Jean, Brenda Jo and Jody Marie. He instilled in them the values of life and the importance of faith and family. He loved to spend time with his family fishing, hunting, dancing, going for drives, playing catch, cards and yahtzee. As his health failed, he was happiest in the presence of his family and friends with his little puppy Millie close by. He was an avid goose and pheasant hunter. Some of his fondest memories included hunts in the Buryanek area.
Maurie was in the excavation business with his father-in-law, Marvin Iler, until 1965. He was deputy sheriff of Gregory County for ten years. He served as Chief of Police for the City of Burke until his retirement. He was an active member of the Burke United Methodist Church and served on the Board for several years. He was also a member of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department, a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star as well as the Peace Officers Association.
In addition to his parents, Maurie was preceded in death by his four brothers: George, Elmon, Sol and Gilbert; three sisters: Gertie Fitzgibbons, Leota Morat and Velma Morat; and a granddaughter Hope Schlaht Grommesh.
Maurie is survived by Sylvia, his devoted and loving wife of 57 years; his children: Maurice James, Jr. of Gregory, SD; Gregg (Joan) of Lockhart, TX; Melinda Kruse of Luverne, MN; Brenda (Arlyn) Klundt of Lead, SD; Jody (Pat) OBrien of Sioux Falls, SD; nine grandchildren: Benjamin Schlaht of Bedford, TX; Brandon Schlaht of Rapid City, SD; Amy and Grant Schlaht of Lockhart, TX; Whitney and Jennifer Kruse of Luverne, MN; Austin (Kristen) Klundt of Harrisburg, SD; Joshua Klundt of Sioux Falls, SD; Grace Grommesh of Sioux Falls, SD; one great-grandson, Evan Klundt of Harrisburg, SD; two sisters: Margaret (Bert) Dickman of Brooklyn, NY and Elizabeth Ahlstrand of Peoria, IL; and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Herrick Cemetery, Herrick, SD. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 PM, with a 7 PM prayer service, at the church.