John K Schlichting

John K. Schlichting, 71, of Spofford, died peacefully at home on April 20th, 2014 after a brief illness. Employed by Electrolux for nearly 40 years, many have come to know him as the vacuum cleaner guy or 'Vacman'.

He was born in Keene on June 1, 1942 to his parents Otto and Christine (Goodell) Schlichting. He was a lifelong resident of Spofford and a graduate of Keene High School's class of 1960.

Mr. Schlichting married Joyce Stanclift on May 11th, 1963 in Hinsdale, NH.

He served his country and community in many capacities including 6 years in the Army Reserves, scoutmaster of Boy Scout troop 286, 30 year volunteer for the Spofford 'Busy Bees' fire department, member of the Keene Elks, The Chesterfield Public School Foundation and charter member of the Chesterfield Jaycees and Chesterfield Parks and Recreation.

Mr. Schlichting also served as president of the Chesterfield Lions Club and was the driving force behind the Lions annual golf tournament providing scholarships to students from Chesterfield pursuing post-secondary education and benefiting The Chesterfield Public School Foundation.

You could find him often on the golf course with his wife, Joyce and close friends, the Mahoney's of Chesterfield. Deer hunting was an annual ritual with his brother Phil and bowling weekly in a league kept him active.

Survivors include his wife Joyce Schlichting of 50 years; his two sons, David W. Schlichting and his wife Kimberly of Smyrna, DE, Roy K. Schlichting and his wife Kathy of Spofford; five grandchildren, Jennifer Morello, Jessica Hom, Elizabeth Schlichting, Joshua Schlichting and Roy 'Duke' Schlichting, Jr.; great granddaughter, Cora Schlichting; four siblings; Pat Aivaliotis of Winchester, Phillip Schlichting and his wife Linda of Spofford, Bonnie Miner of Spofford and Benny Schlichting and his wife Cathy of Spofford; and many nieces and nephews. His parents Otto and Christine Schlichting died earlier.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Evangelical Church, 49 Old Swanzey RD, Spofford, NH on May 17th at 1:00 PM. Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH are assisting with the arrangements. There will be no public calling hours.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in John K. Schlichting’s name to the Chesterfield Lions Club, PO BOX 151 Chesterfield, NH. 03443