Obituary of John Frederick Schiedel

John Frederick Schiedel March 17, 1943- July 4, 2020

The family is heartbroken to announce that John died unexpectedly at St. Mary’s Hospital in the early hours of July 4, 2020 at age 77.

He leaves his wife of 51 years, best friend, and love of his life, Kelly. Daughter Bonnie Schiedel (Darren Elder) and granddaughter Jane, and son, Michael Schiedel Myers along with grandchildren Caitlyn and Jeran Magnusson will miss his sense of humour and gentle teasing manner.

His sisters Betty Erb (Peter) and Barb Patten(Terry) and sister in law Adele, as well as their families will remember his love of family and getting together with the extended family group. Step-brothers Gord (Fran), Don (Deb) and Rich (Anne) Kaster and their children always enjoyed those times too. His reputation as a fun uncle was well-deserved.

John was predeceased by his father Earl, mother Ruth, brother Dan and step-father Leonard Kaster.

John was well-respected as a banker, and realtor, but he considered retirement at 57 to be his best-ever career. He wished he could have done that first! He and Kelly enjoyed traveling, especially road trips to Florida, and beautiful northern Ontario and Calgary to visit the kids. A longtime blood-donor, he was proud of achieving 99 donations. In his many years at Paradise Lake, John spearheaded environmental projects and helped to restore and protect the lake and surrounding watershed.

John got a lot of joy out of life, and his favourites included sports (both watching and paying), reading, cards, especially cribbage euchre and hearts, desserts of all kinds, crossword puzzles, red wine, gin and tonics, genealogy, The Band, Kenny Rogers, Fred Eaglesmith, his community garden plot and “kibbitzing” with friends and family about the topics of the day. He had a good and generous heart.

John had Multiple Sclerosis, but he never let it define him. He soldiered on, adapting to the constantly changing challenges of a cruel disease. When he was out in his motorized scooter (the red one was his favourite) he would always look people in the eye and greet them with his big smile. People never looked ‘through him’ and always smiled back. He and his many friends and family were stalwart fundraisers for the MS Society of Canada. He also admired the amazing efforts of The Working Center. Condolences for the family and donations may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S. Waterloo 519-745- 8445.