Jack Harris Buchschacher was born on November 18, 1933 in St. Louis, the son of Herbert and Virginia (Rohrer) Buchschacher. He was received into the kingdom of God through the waters of Holy Baptism on February 25, 1934 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Orville, MO. He later confirmed his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He attended elementary school at Salem Lutheran School in Affton, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis in 1951.
Jack served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957, which included a deployment to the western Pacific aboard the USS St. Paul heavy cruiser. He was united in marriage to Betty Abeln on May 26, 1956. After his military discharge, Jack and Betty started their family in Crestwood, MO. They were charter members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood and active in the congregation throughout their lifetimes. They spent over 65 years happily married, shared a beautiful life together, and had one son, Mark.
Jack worked in the printing industry as a lithographer and bookbinder, starting right out of high school at Concordia Publishing House where he worked for 19 years. His years at CPH were interrupted by his military service, where he applied his trade in the print shop on-board the ship. In all he worked for over 40 years in the industry before retiring in 1996. After retirement, he and Betty enjoyed spending time with their grandkids and great-grandkids.
Trout fishing was an early respite for Jack. He honed his fishing skills at Bennett Spring State Park with the help of many fishing friends, his study of the currents of the stream, and the behaviors of the trout. Bennett Spring became a second home for Jack, Betty, and Mark; for many years they traveled there on weekends and for week-long stays over the summer. Jack became quite an accomplished angler and twice held the record for largest trout caught at Bennett Spring.
Jack is survived by his son Mark (Cindy) Buchschacher; grandchildren Sarah (Travis) White and Joey (Jessie Stege) Buchschacher; great-grandchildren Kayla, Braylon, and Emma White; and brother Lee (Mary) Buchschacher.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty and sister Betty (Ozzie) Oswalt.
Many thanks to the nurses and social workers at St. Luke’s Hospice and the caregivers at Continuum Care who provided heaping measures of love to Jack during his final weeks.
We know that Jack is resting peacefully in Jesus’ arms, where he belongs, though he will be sorely missed by those of us on earth. Services will be held on Monday, September 9 at noon at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (8646 Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO 63126), with visitation at the church starting at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri (9666 Olive Blvd #400, St. Louis, MO 63132).
Ann and I knew Jack and Betty for 25 years. We met at Bennett and we learned so much from Jack about trout fishing. We will miss Jack so much and Betty. Jack and Betty are saved and together now in heaven. I will dearly miss them. We are honored now to know Mark. He is a good man. Love you Jack.
It was a pleasure working with Mr Jack. Very outgoing and loves to crack jokes all the time…I’m going to miss watching the game with him
What a great person! We so enjoyed talking to Jack at church, and enjoyed his wife, Betty, too! He was so easy-going and friendly to us. We will miss him tremendously, and look forward to our heavenly reunion.
Jack and I worked together at CPH and then at Color Art. He was a great fisherman and Christian.
Jack and Betty were my Bennett Springs neighbors. Such a lovely couple. We miss them and Roscoe. They ate together again.
Jack & Betty we’re our neighbors at Family Crossing and touched the lives of so many.
What a sweet and kind man. We will miss him at church. His conversation was always friendly! The world needs more people like Jack Buchschacher!
Susie and I met Jack in the early 80’s on one our trout park trips. We always looked forward to trips to Bennett Springs to visit and fish with Jack. Another good man and a true fly fishing legend gone. So sorry for your loss
Jan & I spent 17 years next door to Jack, Betty, Chicky, and Sweet Rosco. They were great neighbors. Miss them a lot.