John Schatz

John “Johnny” Schatz, 94, Bismarck passed away on December 15, 2019 surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, at Ascension Catholic Church, 1825 S 3^rd St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

John was born on December 27, 1924 southeast of Zeeland, ND to John Sr. and Margaret (Seiler) Schatz. He attended country school through the eighth grade. He married Josephine Feist on November 23, 1949. They settled on the family homestead where they raised their children. In addition to farming, he had several business ventures, among them: custom combining, building polebarns, and a Super 8 Motel in Minnesota. In 1983 they moved to Bismarck where they became charter members of Ascension Catholic Church. John was very outgoing and was a member of several community service organizations including the Lions Club, Eagles Club, Elks Club, and the Knights of Columbus.

John enjoyed many activities, such as dancing, ice and roller skating, bowling, golfing and playing cards. The family has many fond memories of going boating and water skiing on Sunday afternoons ending with an old fashion picnic and trips to snow ski at Terry Peak. Spending holidays and family gatherings were very important to him and brought great joy to his life. Due to health issues, they moved to the Marilac Manor in 2008. John’s health declined further, and he was admitted to St. Vincent’s Continuing Care Center in 2013. John and Josephine recently celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine; children, Joell (Jesse) Just, Genny (Dan) Welder, Denise (Gerry) Van Beek, all of Bismarck; John A. Schatz, Linton; Cabrina (Garry) McKinnon, Rapid City, SD; Monica (Walt) Calef, Modesto, CA; and Blaine Schatz, Fort Bragg, CA; grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Key, Janeice (Ryan) Pierce, Jeremy McKinnon, Erica (Quentin) Batjer, Rachael (Devin) Kleffer, Erik (Nicole) Calef, Carissa (Joe) Cornell, Jonathan (Haley) Schatz, Michael Van Beek, and Matthew (Channa) Van Beek; and thirteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Eugene, Sister Rose, Julia Mathren, Rose Mitzel, Mary Kramer, Christine Meier, Maragret Schatz, and Betty Brandner; and daughter-in-law, Delores Schatz.