Fr. John Edward Schlaf

Rev. John Edward Schlaf, 78, of Kearney, NE, died February 16, 2018, at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Fr. Jack was born in Spalding, Nebraska on March 20, 1939. He was the son of John and Marie (Krausnick) Schlaf. Fr. Jack attended and graduated from Spalding Academy in Spalding, NE. He attended the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri from 1956 to 1964. He was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood on May 21, 1964, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island, NE. Father Jack served in the following parishes in Nebraska: Kimball, Alliance, Stapleton, Arnold, Callaway, Oconto, Grand Island, Mitchell, Morrell, Lyman, Bayard, Minatare, Gordon, Merriman, Kearney, Ogallala, and Paxton. He retired in 2005 and served five years as chaplain for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Concordia, Kansas. He established two parishes: Resurrection Parish in Grand Island in 1973 and Prince of Peace Parish in Kearney in 1986.

Survivors of his family include his brother, William M. Schlaf of Las Vegas, NV; stepbrother, William J. Berberich of Atlanta, GA; stepsisters, Janet M. Smyth of Arvada, CO and Mary E. Berberich of Omaha, NE; many nieces, nephews, and longtime housekeeper, Linda Reyes.

John is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Helen Berberich Schlaf; sister-in-law, Pauline Schlaf; and stepsisters, Michaela M. Brungardt and Joan Socha.

Memorials may be directed to the Reverend John Schlaf Spalding Academy Endowment Fund. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. MST at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala. Principal Celebrant, Bishop Emeritus William J. Dendinger; Concelebrants, Most Reverend Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt, Bishop of Grand Island, and the Priests of the Diocese of Grand Island. Interment will be at St Michael's Cemetery in Spalding, NE on Wednesday, at 2:00 p.m. CST. Visitation will be on Monday, from 5:00 p.m. until 6 p.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with a scripture wake service at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.