John E. Schledewitz, Jr., of Maxwell, passed away on October 8, 2025, at Great Plains Health, at 80 years old. Born to John and Mildred (Weinmaster) Schledewitz, Sr., John Jr., was brought into the world on July 23, 1945, in Lexington, NE.
Upon graduating from Gothenburg High School in 1963, John went on to attend Hastings College, receiving a technical degree in auto mechanics in 1965. John enlisted into the National Guard on September 1, 1965, spending 6 years in the military, being honorably discharged on August 31, 1971. While serving, John met Donna Smidt and the couple got married on May 18, 1968, in Glenvil, NE. The couple brought three children into the world: Jill, Johnny, and Janet, to complete their family. In 1968, John and Donna moved to Maxwell to help assist his parents on the family farm. After retirement, he worked for Miller Repair in Maxwell. John was a devoted and supportive husband and father to his wife and family.
Modesty and humility were words that best described John, qualities that were easily seen by all who knew him. He was an observer, never wanting to be the center of attention. It was the simple things in life that he enjoyed the most, fishing and goose hunting in the earlier years of life along with numerous late night card games with friends. On May 18th, 1989, their anniversary, they were blessed with their first of three grandchildren. As time passed and his family grew, “game nights” became a regular event that created many laughs and memories. In 2012, they were blessed with the first of seven great grandchildren that filled their lives with so much joy and laughter. John was a dedicated Husker fan, enjoyed time fishing with Johnny and afternoons on the golf course, and enjoyed watching stock car and drag races. Farming was his passion, along with being a Grandpa and especially the title of Great-Grandpa. His grandkids will forever miss the sound of his big hands cheering them on at their activities and the warm hugs he always had to offer. John was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Maxwell Fire Department, the American Legion.
Survivors include his children, Jill (Jim) Falcon of Maxwell, Johnny Schledewitz of North Platte; grandchildren, Jalissa Falcon of North Platte, Jimmy (Karsen) Falcon of Brookings, SD, and Justin (Halee) Falcon of Maxwell; great grandchildren, Avery, Greah, Jameson, Jack, Boon, Arizona, Madelyn; brother, Larry (Sue) Schledewitz of Maxwell; sister, Joann Rosse of Lincoln; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sharon and Clyde Hohlfeld of Holstein, NE, and Art and Betty Smidt of Omaha; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and so many friends.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Schledewitz; daughter, Janet Schledewitz; parents, John and Mildred; father and mother-in-law, George and Reka Smidt; brother-in-law, Alan Rosse; great nephew, Derek Henry.
The family encourages memorials be made to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Maxwell Fire Department, or Deborah’s Legacy. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 AM, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Patrick Sipes as officiant. Inurnment will be held at Plainview Cemetery, Maxwell, NE, with the rendering of full military honors. Visitation is Friday, October 10, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM with family present to greet friends from 1 PM to 3 PM at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.