John J. Schaff

John J. Schaff joined our Lord on September 13, 2011. John was an outstanding representative of the greatest generation. He was a true leader. He led men into combat in World War II. He led many in his career at Hallmark Cards. Most importantly, he led a family of eight by example, with caring and compassion. He was our rock.

John was born on January 7, 1924 in Carbondale, PA to John and Evelyn Schaff. He grew up during the Great Depression, hunting and fishing in the hills surrounding Carbondale. His circumstances helped to forge his strength. When his country was attacked during WWII, John left college to enlist in the US Army. He quickly advanced from Private to Staff Sargent prior to participating in the Normandy invasion. He led troops in battle from France to Austria and Germany, receiving a field commission to First Lieutenant. While fighting for his country, he witnessed the horrors of Auschwitz and the triumph of freeing a French village.

After serving his country, John returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Gebert. Looking for a new start, they moved to Kansas City in 1947 where John found work with Hallmark Cards. Again his leadership abilities were evident and he was promoted to branch manager before age 30. He managed plants in Ohio, Illinois and Kansas before opening the new plant in Topeka in 1966. While in Topeka John was a respected leader in the community. At various times he led the city’s United Way drive, Chamber of Commerce, and sat on numerous boards and committees. He was active in the Boy Scouts his entire adult life. Following his tenure as council president he was presented Scouting’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award. John moved back to Kansas City in 1977 to manage Hallmark’s fixture plants. He retired from Hallmark in 1985 after 37 years of service. After retirement John and Mary spent many years traveling the world. He continued to hunt and fish, and enjoyed taking his family to Royals and Chiefs games.

John was a wonderful role model for his six children. On the rare occasions he could not affect a situation, he accepted it and moved on. He was also charming and generous, loved to socialize and tell stories, and had a way of making everyone he knew feel special. As a devout Catholic, John taught his children the importance of faith. He attended daily Mass at St Thomas More for many years. Dad, we thank you for all you taught us. We are proud of the man you were throughout your life, and we will continue to follow your example in our own lives. We love you and will carry you in our hearts forever.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Mary; his sisters, Eleanor and Marie; his son Dennis and Dennis’ son Christopher. He is survived by his children; John Jr., Allan, Kathleen and husband Mark and son Taylor, Rick and wife Margie and children Lauren and Rachel, Greg and wife Julie and children Megan, Brian, Branden and Patrick; Dennis’ wife Mary and children Aaron and Joseph; along with three great grandchildren. John will be greatly missed by all.

A visitation will be held at St. Thomas More Church, 11822 Holmes, Kansas City, MO on Tuesday September 20th at 9:15 am. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Heartland, 3846 West 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS 66208 or online at www.alz.org.