John "Jack" Francis Schoettes

 His Legacy…

John “Jack” Francis Schoettes, 83, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025. He was born July 24, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to John Schoettes Sr. and Frances (Sejud) Schoettes.

While growing up in Lincoln Park, IL, Jack played High School football and earned a scholarship to Michigan State University. He spent many years in Hanover Park raising his family, coaching his children’s little league teams, and serving as a basketball referee around the Chicago area.

Jack loved cars - especially his old 1940 Ford - and for 25 years he traveled with his children and close friends to Sun Prairie, WI, to race midget cars. In later years he and his wife frequently attended the “Hot August Nights” car show in Reno, NV. Living in the shadow of Michigan Stadium, he was a devoted fan of Michigan sports (football, basketball, hockey), while also maintaining his lifelong loyalty to his Chicago teams (the Bears, Bulls, and White Sox).

He worked in the printing industry for over 45 years. Jack and his wife of more than 40 years Mary Lou Covert Slater, created countless memories together, including 33 joyful years at their home – “The Birdhouse” - in Lake Tahoe, CA, where they enjoyed the lake, gardening, entertaining friends, and extensive travel across the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. Jack especially cherished traveling with Mary Lou.

His Family…

Jack is remembered with love by his wife, Mary Lou C. Slater; his children, Brian P. (Leslie) Schoettes, Scott A Schoettes, and Jill K Schoettes; his stepsons, Michael A. (Kelley Crowe) Slater and Matthew A. (Hillary) Slater; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter, numerous cousins in the Chicago area. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Schoettes.

His Farewell…

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a date to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital or the Arbor Day Foundation. Internment in Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor, MI.

Share a photo of your favorite memory on these two websites https://tinyurl.com/3xkrduhw or https://tinyurl.com/wpwx8y9c

Please sign Jacks guest book at www.borekjennings.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.