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John Van Schaack Obituary
June 26, 1934 ~ April 19, 2016
Resident of Cupertino
John Ralph (Jack) Van Schaack, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, following a brief illness.
He leaves his wife of 58 years, Donna (Taylor) Van Schaack; his sons, Mark Van Schaack (Åse); Chris Van Schaack (Leslie); Andrew Van Schaack; his daughter, Jackie (Van Schaack) Whitehouse; nine grandchildren; three sisters; two brothers; many nieces and nephews; and even more close friends.
Born in Port Chicago, California on June 26, 1934, Jack was the fifth of ten children born to Ralph and Margaret (Keever) Van Schaack. His family moved many times while he was growing up and the family eventually settled in San Jose in the 1950s after his high school years.
In his early years, Jack was active in sports and other outdoor activities, and developed a love and appreciation for nature. After graduating from Marquette High School in Yakima Washington in 1952, he served as a medic in the army and, upon his discharge, began college at San Jose State. He earned a bachelor's degree in geology, and began a long career with the U.S. Geological Survey. He had a fairy tale romance with the girl next door (actually, across the street), and they were married in August of 1958.
Jack's career as a seismologist began in Colorado in 1961, before being transferred to Menlo Park in 1966. He remained there for 33 more years before retiring in 1999, bringing his tenure with the USGS to 38 years. He took great pride in his work and developed lasting friendships with his many coworkers.
During his 50 years as a resident of Cupertino, Jack was a dedicated volunteer for the Friends of the Cupertino Library, and was a stalwart worker at most of the book sales over the years. He faithfully attended St. Joseph of Cupertino Church and served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and all around fixer-of-things over the last five decades.
Jack was known as a committed friend and family man and was always willing to help those who needed it.
A rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 25 at Alameda Funeral Home on Saratoga Sunnyvale Road and a funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 26 at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church at 11:00 am.
View the online memorial for John Ralph (Jack) Van Schaack
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Memories and Condolences
for John Van Schaack
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
5 Entries
Ann Rodriguez - McKinnell
February 28, 2017
Mrs Van Schaack and Family,
My sincerest condolences. I realize it has been a year almost, but just ran across this. So many wonderful memories of our family time together with the Van Schaacks! My heart breaks for your loss. But, oh the shenanigans Dad and Jack are probably getting into up in Heaven...I will let the family here know. Sending love and prayers to you.
Ann
Bev Heijn
April 26, 2016
So sorry for your loss; sending hugs & much love! Bev Heijn
Elena Barrioz
April 26, 2016
My heartfelt condolences and I wish you all peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Louetta Eastman
April 24, 2016
Donna, I am thinking of you, remembering Jack, and wishing you only good memories of him and your lives together. Love, Louetta
Dan and Nancy Risko
April 21, 2016
Jack was a great man with an easy, friendly, even-keeled demeaner. He had a sharp wit and was very friendly and caring about people. He truly was an excellent husband and caring father. He was one of those people about whom was asked "Does Jack ever get angry or upset?" My reply would be probably not, as he walked throught this world with the Lord. He will be missed and my wife, Nancy and I and our three children would like to offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to Donna and all Jack's children and grandchildren.
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Apr
25
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation, Inc. - Saratoga12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, CA 95070
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Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation, Inc. - Saratoga12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, CA 95070
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