As a longtime executive of what is now Northrop Grumman Corp., Robert G. Schlenzig helped develop guidance systems for U.S. military missiles and NASA space programs.
Mr. Schlenzig, 78, a former South Barrington resident, died Friday, Jan. 21, of cancer in his Colorado home.
Born in Milwaukee, he served in the Army during World War II and was awarded a Bronze Battle Star. After graduating from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Mr. Schlenzig went to work for AC Spark Plug in Milwaukee, where he met Gail Grace Stott. They married in 1959.
Mr. Schlenzig was hired in 1962 by Northrop in Norwood, Mass., to manage the development and production of the gyroscope guidance system used in the Apollo space program.
He was the general manager of Antex Corp. in Colorado Springs for a few years, then he returned to Northrop as director of operations at the Rolling Meadows facility. He later oversaw projects involving the F-15 Eagle and B-1 bomber. In 1987, he became corporate vice president and general manager of Northrop’s electronic systems division, where he managed the B-2 stealth bomber avionics system and the MX missile guidance system.
He retired in 1990.
Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Monica Richtsmeier, Patricia DiMonte, Elizabeth Jones and Kathleen; a son, Robert; a sister, Marilyn Johnston; and nine grandchildren.
Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 N. Ela St., Barrington, followed by a memorial mass at 10 a.m.
