JOHN A. SCHAPPLER
Goodbye and Welcome… March 21, 1921 – February 2, 2017
St. Peter was introduced to an amazing man today. He welcomes a husband, father, soldier, artist and servant of God. A man who looks critically at systems, always questioning the status quo, and expects everyone to do their part for the good of all. A man who lived for 95+ years, a role model who got the most out of life, refused to give up easily, encouraging all of us to do our part before willing to move forward and continue with eternal life. No regrets for the time we had with him here, time to
Rejoice for the life he has ahead.
John Alphonse Schappler was born in Springfield, MO on March 21, 1921 and moved to Atchison, KS at the age of 5. He was educated at local schools in Atchison, and then attended St. Benedict College. During World War II, he saw service in Germany and France. Returning from the War, John studied art at the Billie Moran School of Design in Kansas City, MO, and then studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago. He graduated from St. Ambrose College (University) with a BA in Art, where he also studied Calligraphy under Father Edward Catich. From the University of Iowa, John obtained his Master’s degree in Art. Though his art included painting, stone cutting, stain glass and typography, his favorite was letter design. He worked at IBM in Kentucky designing letters on the daisy wheel for the IBM Selectric typewriters, designing more typography in Chicago with Ludlow & Compugrahic, retiring from Itek in Nashua, NH.
John was always an active member of the Catholic Church, living his faith. At one time, John was active on the Liturgy Committee and more recently active as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. John reached out to help whenever he could and was often found wrapping potatoes for St. Christopher’s Lenten dinners.
Survivors include his wife, Mercedes Jane of 63+ years; 7 children, Paul Schappler (Kathy), Mary Young (Victor), Nancy Morris (Steve), Joe Schappler, Mark Schappler (Patti), Rita Banatwala (Miki), and Philip Schappler (Pam); 24 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Fr. Norbert Schappler and Justina Clements and numerous nieces and nephews. His other sister beat him home; Sr. Martinette Schappler of the Sisters of St. Joseph, previously passed away peacefully.
John A. Schappler will be missed, but never forgotten.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, February 6th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. Friends are invited to attend. The burial will be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in honor of John A. Schappler to the Anna Schappler Scholarship Foundation at Conception Abbey in Conception, MO or St. Christopher Parish in Nashua, NH. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591 www.farwellfuneralservice.com
