John Lee Schluter

John passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at the age of 96.  A memorial service will be held at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Northview as well.         

John was born on December 26, 1924 to John and Emma (Andresen) Schluter in Wolsey, South Dakota with the family moving to Mankato in 1943.

After moving to Mankato, John enlisted in the Air Force during WW II.  After serving, he returned to Mankato and joined a flying club for several years.  John worked at Amco before joining Mankato Citizens Telephone Company/Hickory Tech where he worked for 39 years, installing and servicing many large switchboard systems.  Many times he would get called out through the night to trouble shoot a problem.

John’s sister, Leona, introduced him to the love of his life, Dorothy (Dot) Herion, after his discharge from the Air Force.  They dated for over a year before marrying in October of 1946.  Together, they had two sons, Jack and Gary, and a daughter, Jill.  They built two homes and were happily married for 53 years, until Dot’s passing from cancer.

He enjoyed fishing, golf, and boating with his family.  He was very mechanically inclined and could fix almost anything.  After retiring, John and Dot had motor homes and went south during the Winter.  They loved to dance, play cards, and get together with family and friends.  In later years, he especially enjoyed seeing his grand-daughters and great-grand kids.

After the passing of his wife, John met another very special woman, Lucille Kahle.  Her large family became a second family to John.  Many weekends they got together for meals and conversation and to celebrate birthdays and holidays.  They also enjoyed dancing and playing cards.

John is survived by his son, John (Jack) Schluter of Kerrville TX and his daughter, Jill Schluter of Mankato (significant other, Doug Reichel); his grand-daughters, Tiffany Schluter and Ashley Schluter; great-grand-children, Gavin and Olivia; John’s special friend for 20 years, Lucille Kahle of LeSueur, her daughters, Barb Berndt and Heidi Obele and son, Barry Kahle, all of LeSueur; her many grand-children and great grand- children. 

John was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Dot) Schluter; son, Gary Schluter; his sisters, Maxine Christopherson-Vick and Leona Gosen; brother, Donald; his parents John and Emma Schluter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Croix Hospice or Mayo Hospital would be welcomed.