CLAFLIN — Jack F. Schlessiger, 80, died July 7, 2024, at his home in Claflin. He was born Feb. 2, 1944, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Fred and Esther (Ochs) Schlessiger. Jack graduated from Claflin High School in 1962. He served in the Air National Guard from 1963 to 1971.  

In 1967 he married Janice Oberg in Partridge, Kan. 

Jack lived in the Claflin area all his life. He was a farmer and well-known cattleman. He began his farming career as a custom harvester for 17 years. Jack was a co-owner of Barton County Feeders for many years and he truly enjoyed partnering with others and giving them the opportunity in the cattle business. 

He was a strong man of faith and a member of the Zion Lutheran Church where he had served as an elder. 

He is survived by his wife Janice of the home; a daughter, Jana (Gary) Crittenden of Hesston; two sons, Joe (Tricia) Schlessiger of Ellinwood, and John (Laura) Schlessiger of Claflin; 13 grandchildren, Keith (Claire) Crittenden, Kyle Crittenden, Kade Crittenden, Cassidy Schlessiger, Emma Ricker, James Schlessiger, Gracie Schlessiger, Anna Ricker, Julia Schlessiger, Charlee Schlessiger, Jake Schlessiger, Jonah Schlessiger and Jude Schlessiger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Esther Schlessiger; and twin grandchildren, Max and Ian, and Molly and Jay Schlessiger.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Daniel Harders presiding. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Claflin, Kan. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Kans for Kids, or Claflin Ambulance Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 9, 2024