John "Jack" F. Schildgen

LANCASTER - John F. "Jack" Schildgen, age 76, passed away peacefully the afternoon of Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at Our House Memory Care in Richland Center, due to complications of Multiple Myeloma and several other health concerns. He was a lifetime resident of the Lancaster/Beetown/Bloomington area, only moving to Richland Center in 2014 when his health declined to be closer to his son, Jason Schildgen.

The fourth child of Firmin and Kathryn "Kate" (Knapp) Schildgen, John Fredrick Schildgen was born December 27, 1940, and started life on the Schildgen Family farm near Slabtown. He graduated from Lancaster Senior High School in 1958.

In the early 1960's he began working at John Deere in Dubuque, IA, remaining there until 1993 when he retired. After retirement, he worked on various farms to keep busy until age and health prevented him from doing so. In his leisure time, Jack enjoyed a good game of Euchre, fishing, and watching ball games. Jack was known for his sense of humor and loved playing jokes on friends, family, and acquaintances.

Jack is survived by six children: Jamie Schildgen (Kathy Hottenstein), Jan Schildgen, Joel Schildgen (Brenda Roesch), Jill (Tim) Burkhalter, Jason (April) Schildgen, and Jon Schildgen; grandchildren: Ross-Travis (Marriea) Schildgen, Christopher (Sarah) Schildgen, Mitchell Schildgen, Kaitlyn Schildgen, Ben Burkhalter, Connor Schildgen, and Ava Burkhalter; three great-grandchildren: Nathan, Tori, and Cierra. He is also survived by ten of his twelve siblings: Jerry (Karlene) Schildgen, Shirley Ellis, Ruth (Dave) Southworth, Jean (Larry) Brandemuehl, Mark (Mary) Schildgen, Karen (Jerry) Olsen, Linda Schildgen, Betty (Merle) Ritter, Rachael (Jack) Fahser, and Pat (Larry) Thompson; sister-in-law, Susan (Paul) McLean; numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Irene (Charles) Adams, a brother Ivan "Ike" Schildgen, and one brother-in-law, Ronald Ellis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Vernon officiating. Burial will be in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may call on Monday, October 9, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family. In lieu of plants and flowers a John F. "Jack" Schildgen Memorial Fund has been established.

The family of Jack Schildgen would like to thank Our House and St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care.

Online condolences: www.martinschartzfuneralhomes.com