John Schlake
April 20, 1929 — October 31, 2015
John L. Schlake, 86, of Gothenburg, NE died October 31, 2015 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.
John was born April 20, 1929 in Jansen, NE, to John and Clara (Eisner) Schlake. He grew up on a farm west of Plymouth, NE. John graduated from Plymouth High School in 1946. Following high school he worked as a pattern maker at Dempster Foundry in Beatrice. On September 3, 1948 he married Elaine Schmidt at Jansen, NE. To this union two sons were born LaMonte in 1954 and Leslie in 1955. In 1952 John was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany where Elaine joined him until he got out of the service and they moved back to Beatrice in 1954. John went to work for Howell Lumber where he worked until he was transferred to Gothenburg as the Manager of Howell Lumber in 1958. He built and co-owned and operated Country Side Bowling Lanes until he started Schlake Construction in 1962. John was proud that it has become a three generation company.
John was a member of American Legion, Elks, Jaycees, Dance Clubs, Golf Club and Bowling Leagues. He enjoyed working, dancing, traveling, playing cards, Husker Football, bowling, fellowship at happy hour and polka music.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elaine Ruth Schmidt of Gothenburg, NE; son LaMonte (Darla) Schlake of Gothenburg, NE, five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, son Leslie Schlake, sister, Frieda Butt, two brothers Clarence Schlake and Arnold Schlake and his beloved dog Spunky.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Tuesday, November 3, 2015, 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
Services will be held at American Lutheran Church, November 4, 2015 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jon Mapa officiating.
Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE.
Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Senior Center, 410 20th Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138 or Alzheimer's Association, 1500 S 70th Street, Suite 201, Lincoln, NE 68506.
To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.