John L. Schuchart, age 93, of Waterville, passed away at Addington Place of Shoal Creek in Kansas City, on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
John was born on a farm south of Waterville on June 21, 1932, to Leroy and Lillie (Musil) Schuchart. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1950. On August 19, 1956, he married Dorothy A. Johnson at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Waterville. They lived on the family farm until 2002, when they moved to town. After moving John continued to help out on the farm for many years. John was a member St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, a member of Sutton Lodge #85 AF&AM in Waterville and had served many years on the Lincoln Township Board.
John wasn’t always a man of many words but his life and love had a profound impact on every single one of his grandchildren. He was the silent strength that they all looked up to and tried to emulate. He had pride in working his land and watching his beans growing in the fields. He showed his grandchildren the beauty and power of love with how he adored his bride and teased her with scratchy whisker kisses.
John was his grandchildren’s partner in crime having food fights with mashed potatoes or pulling pranks on Grandma, teaching us rhymes and riddles about farm animals, and dancing around the kitchen to him singing Dance With Me Henry, or taking the best naps in his chair while watching NASCAR.
John was always their ready with a long solid hug and something to tease his grandchildren about. Grandpa was their hero. He was their hero growing up and he is their hero now. His grandchildren are thankful for everything he and grandma did for then throughout the years, they will be forever grateful for the sacrifices they made without a second thought.
His grandchildren said, “We will feel this loss for many years, but his memory lives on in every one of us. We love you grandpa.”
Survivors include his wife Dorothy, his grandchildren: Nicholas Ross of Smithville, Missouri, Danielle (Rocky) Rhodes of Smithville, Missouri, Samantha (Josh) McCrary of Mosby, Missouri, a sister Gay Stryker of Topeka, and 4 great grandchildren: Alexis, Brody, Connor and Levi.
Preceding John in death were his parents, a daughter Sandra Ross and a sister Jerri Bourne and a grandson Christopher Ross.
Viewing is from noon to 8:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with visitation between 6:00 and 7:30 pm, at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.
Funeral services are at 10:30 am, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Waterville, with Pastor David Thompson officiating. Beverly Hedke will the musician, Kim Oatney will be the soloist. Hymns include “How Great Thou Art” and “I’ll Fly Away.”
Casket Bearers are: Morgan Wanklyn, Randy Jacobson, Mike Regnier, Darrin Jacobson, Jeff Thornton and Rod Christie. Honorary Bearers are Nicholas Ross, Rocky Rhodes, Josh McCrary, Doug Regnier, Rick Roepke, Craig Bourne and Clint Jones. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery in Waterville.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or Sutton Lodge #85 AF&AM and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.
Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, Waterville, in charge of arrangements.
