Jack Edward Schoessler

Jack Edward Schoessler of College Place, WA, earned his wings on April 25, 2024. Jack passed in the comfort of his home while he was surrounded by family. He was a child of God who was born to Ruben and Adeline (Wagner) Schoessler of College Place on February 15, 1947. Jack was an only child and lost his mother, Adeline, at a very young age. He was later blessed when Ruben married Ruth King of College Place, where he also gained five siblings, along with several nieces and nephews. Jack attended school in Walla Walla, where he met Sandy Mikesell; they married in December 1963. Jack served in the National Guard as well as for the US Forest Service, where he was stationed as a fire spotter. Jack later joined the machinist union where he worked and retired from Continental Can Company in Walla Walla.

Jack was a member of the local Jaycees and truly enjoyed the community service they provided. Jack and Sandy raised their two children, Rick and Kelly, on a small farm out on the old Milton Freewater highway. This is where Jack discovered his love of gardening and raising livestock (through trial and error).

Jack was a member of the Presbyterian Church of College Place for many years before joining the Cowboy Church. The Presbyterian Church is where God brought Janet Selby to bless his life. Jack attempted to woo Janet with his debonair charm that he (or thought) he had. Within time, he was able to convince her that he was the perfect man for her. They later married in June of 1991. It did not take long for Jack to convince Janet that fishing was a necessity and a way of life. Not hard, as he had the help of stepson Justin Moran, who liked to fish as much as Jack. Jack and Janet were later blessed with their daughter Heidi in October 1993. Jack shared his love of gardening with Janet and Heidi as he turned their large backyard into a gardener’s paradise. They did not seem to mind as they noticed the smile it brought to his face when he shared from the garden with neighbors and friends. Jack came out of retirement when Home Depot opened in College Place. He thought it would be fun to meet new people, maybe a couple of days a week. Jack was definitely a people person. Home Depot realized this, and several years later, after many promotions, Jack decided to go back into full-time retirement where he could enjoy his love of golf, fishing, and family.

Jack is survived by wife, Janet Schoessler of College Place. Siblings: Betty Williams, Debbie Bergevin (Tom), Gary King of Walla Walla, Marsha Shattler of Florida. Children: Rick Schoessler (Christy) of Walla Walla Daughters Kelly Hopstad of Spokane, WA. Heidi Schoessler of College Place and Justin Moran (Michelle) of Portland, OR. Grandchildren, Derick Schoessler (Megan), Shane Schoessler, Brandi Pinson (Austin), Carly McMillian (Andrew), all of Walla Walla, Andrew Helm of Spokane, Trevor Lindsey (Trina) of Irrigon, OR, JD Helm (Katie) of Wollmerath Germany. Great-Grandchildren Stephen, Brady, Casey, and Taylor Lindsey of Irrigon, OR. Nolan, Camden, Paisley Schoessler, Amelia McMillian all of Walla Walla. Along with Several nieces and Nephews. Jack is preceded in Death by his Parents, Ruben, Adeline, and Ruth Schoessler; Brother and Sister-in-Law, Walter and Pat King; Mother and Father-in-Law, Leroy and Anita Selby of Walla Walla; and Great-Grandson, Leyton Lindsey of Irrigon, OR.

The viewing and visitation to honor Jack’s memory will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, at Herring Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St. A graveside service, a solemn moment to bid farewell, will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S 2nd Ave. Following this, a memorial service, a time for reflection and celebration of Jack’s life, will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at Walla Walla Valley Cowboy Church, 8136 Old Hwy 12, Walla Walla, with Pastor Ron Alexander officiating. We invite all who knew and loved Jack to join us in these services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or the Cowboy Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.