John Henry "Jack" Schlepphorst, four days shy of his 95th birthday, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026.

Born in Memphis MO, February 15, 1931, raised in Edina MO & graduated from St Joseph’s Catholic High School. John lived a full and faithful life rooted in service to the Catholic Church, service to our country, hard work, family, and tradition. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy. Following his military service, he built a long and dedicated career with General Motors, retiring after many years of hard work and commitment. He was also a proud member of UAW Local 599 and VFW Post 8236.

On July 26, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mary Theresa White. Together they built a legacy that now spans five generations.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Schlepphorst and Gertrude Acquinata Delaney, and his brother, Dr Jodie Anthony Schlepphorst.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Schlepphorst of Kirksville; sister, Ginger Cahalan (Don) of Kansas City; his brother, Tommy Schlepphorst of Palmyra; and his two daughters, Pamela Theresa Chapman and Dorothy Acquinata Thomas.

His legacy continues through his six granddaughters: Mandy Grant (Chris), Mary Warren (Gary), Lee Ledford (Kelly), Jennifer Fowler (Tony), Sarah Johnson (Kevin), and Jacqueline Jones (Jason).

He was a proud great-grandfather to Austin, Corey, Erika, Cole, Ty, John, Liam, Luke, Ella, and Jovie, and a great-great-grandfather to Bailey, Riley, Sawyer, and Cooper — along with many extended family members and dear friends.

John was a man who believed in teaching by doing. He taught his family how to hunt, how to water ski and snow ski, how to frog hunt (“shoot ’em in the left eye”), and even how to drive. More importantly, he taught them how to love and care for their spouses, how to raise and teach their children, and how to live with strength & most importantly, LOVE.

He leaves behind not just a family, but a legacy of stories, traditions, strong values, and deep love that will carry on for generations.

Public visitation will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Kirksville, with Father Joseph Luzindana presiding. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Edina, Missouri,

Memorial donations in memory of Jack may be made to the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church and may be left at the church or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.