JOHN JOSEPH SCHLESIGER, JR. John Joseph Schlesiger, Jr. died on January 22, 2018 at Adventist Health Hospital in Clear Lake, California. He was the son of the late John J. Schlesiger, Sr. and Phyllis (Peters) Schlesiger. John was born on March 12, 1950 in Omaha, Nebraska. The family moved to Eureka, California in 1957. John leaves behind his children Cole (Jennifer) Schlesiger of Browns Valley, Nyle Schlesiger of Santa Rosa and Taury Cook of Las Vegas, his grandchildren Claire, Cole, Jr. and Bella. He also leaves behind his sisters Peggy (Bill) Jackson of Yakima, WA, Jody Livingston of Redding, and sister-in-law Pam Schlesiger of Fortuna, as well as many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. John was predeceased in death by his brother Rich Schlesiger, brother-in-law Jim Livingston and nephew Rich Schlesiger, Jr. John graduated from Eureka High School in 1968. There he played football, basketball and baseball. He went on to play football at College of the Redwoods winning the California State Championship in 1968. He also played baseball for the Redwoods where he was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1969 as a shortstop. John played for the Yankees for 2 years. John was recognized as an outstanding athlete. Throughout his career his influential coaches and teammates became life-long friends. Upon his return home he attended Humboldt State University from 1972 to 1974 where he majored in Physical Education. He then started a career in heavy equipment sales which took him to Sacramento, Portland and Redding. He worked at Petersen Tractor in Santa Rosa for 25 years until he retired in 2012. John enjoyed golfing, boating and playing sports with his children. After retirement he enjoyed going to the Airport Health Club on a regular basis. There will be a memorial service honoring John on February 17, 2018 at Lafferty & Smith Colonial Funeral Home, 4321 Sonoma Hwy, Santa Rosa at 1:00 p.m. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com
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We played little league together. Great guy, and miss him.
Clayton Wilson
Friend
February 4, 2020
So sorry to hear- John was my neighbor for several years on Leonard Avenue
In Santa Rosa -he was a great guy and when we had a softball team - he took me out and showed me how to hit the ball- very soft spoken
Patty Tuttle- Constant
February 15, 2018
Sorry to hear about John passing away we played little league together er on Proctors Pirates in Eureka. He was a great guy.
Clay Wilson
Clay Wilson
February 14, 2018
Sending my sympathy to all of John's family and friends! He was such a great guy, athlete, friend , family man, and we will all miss him! RIP John!
Connie Thatcher (Saunderson)
February 10, 2018
My sincerest condolences to all of John's family on your loss. John was a great guy and a great friend and I will miss his friendship and wonderful personality. Was looking forward to catching up at our upcoming 50th class reunion.
LEE CHAPPELLE
February 9, 2018
Peggy, Jody and families: So very sorry to read of John's passing. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. Remember the good times and cherish your wonderful memories. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Kay Reckord Ames
February 9, 2018
RIP John Champs 68
Pat Ambrosini
February 9, 2018
Dear Peg and family...my heart goes out to you all. John was a terrific guy and of course wonderful athlete. He always had a very upbeat way about him and was such a pleasure to know. He will be sorely missed. Warmest Regards, Brad Curtis (Spinas)
Brad Curtis
February 9, 2018
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Feb
17
1:00 p.m.
Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel - Santa Rosa4321 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
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Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel - Santa Rosa4321 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
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