John Albert Schaap passed January 25, 2025 at Renown Hospital, Reno, Nevada, from complications of congestive heart failure with his family at his side. He said we’d be together and have a hell of a ride until the wheels fell off. The wheels fell off that day and our hearts are broken.
John was born in San Francisco, California, March 8, 1947. He met his future wife shortly after a Thanksgiving dinner and told her she was the woman he was going to marry. A few weeks later on December 23, 1966, he married his wife, Mary Ellen Grosdidier. They had two beautiful children, Michelle Ann Schaap/Dunten and John Albert Schaap II.
He had one persona as a United States Marine in Vietnam as well as a Sergeant at the California Correctional Center. He was often able to diffuse different volatile situations that occurred during his time at the Correctional Center.
His other persona was seen by his family and acquaintances. He had a quick wit and an incredible sense of humor. He was a great storyteller. He could always take a good story and embellish it into an amazing story.
He was not only a gentleman but also a gentle man. He loved hunting and fishing as well as competitions in sporting clays, trap and skeet. His participation in the Westwood Club’s Turkey Shoot always brought lots of enjoyment for him. He also loved camping, traveling, and exploring on ATVs with his wife. With the onset of macular degeneration (which he often jokingly referred to as immaculate degeneration), he was no longer able to engage in any of those activities. He was an avid ham radio operator and enjoyed talking with his several ham friends across the country.
He retired from the California Correctional Center September 5, 1993, and went on to become a computer teacher for ten years with Richmond School in Susanville, California.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen, his two beautiful children, Michelle Ann Schaap/Dunten, John Albert Schaap II, his son-in-law Ty Dunten, his daughter-in-law, Regina Schaap, and three grandsons, Terron Dunten, Kaden Dunten and Reegan Dunten as well as a granddaughter-in-law, Terron Dunten’s wife Alicia Dunten.
At his request there will be no services. Condolences may be sent to the Schaap Family, C/O John Schaap II, P.O. Box 1885, Susanville, CA 96130.
