John Charles Scheaffer

Chatham

John Charles Scheaffer, age 69, of Chatham, died early Sunday morning, October 16, 2016 at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette with his loving wife and children at his side.  He was born on January 31, 1947 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to the late Marlen and Beatrice (Sherman) Scheaffer and grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from high school in 1967.  John entered in the U.S. Army on December 28, 1967.  He served in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.  John was honorably discharged on December 18, 1970.  He married his longtime friend, Karen Graff on September 25, 1971 at St. Paul’s Church in Port Carbon, Pennsylvania.  They moved to the U.P. in 1976 after visiting friends on vacation, living in Deer Lake and then Chatham.  John worked for Miller Factories in Pennsylvania, Fred’s Service Station, and Norman Oil.  While working he, delivered “Meals on Wheels” for AMCAB and he immensely enjoyed that work.  John was an avid Lionel Train fan.  He collected many over the years.  His passion for trains started as a child when his father passed down his love for collecting trains.  John’s love and passion for the trains carried on throughout his life.  John also enjoyed tinkering in his garage with carpentry, crafts, woodworking, and machine work.  He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and D.A.V. and a member of the American Legion.  John was an active member for many years at Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham.  He was always there to help when someone was in need.  The generosity of his heart, time, and talents were immeasurable.  John loved spending time with his grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “Bop.”

He is survived by his best friend and wife of over forty-five years – Karen Scheaffer of Chatham; their children – John (Melanie) Scheaffer of Negaunee and Heather (Scott) Perron of Chatham; grandchildren – Brigitta, Janessa, Kianna, Elyja, Josyia, Kallie, Scott, and Shane; brother – Tom Scheaffer of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania; sister – Marlene (Lester) Tokuhisa of Aeia, Hawaii; and numerous nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his parents and brother Marlen.

Services will be held at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham on Saturday, October 22, 2016.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.   Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct John’s funeral service at 12:00 noon.  Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham where the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans, and V,F.W. Honor Guards will conduct military honors.