John Max Schiessl fought a heroic battle with brain cancer but it was the will of his Lord to take him home to paradise, at the age of 47 years young. John was born into eternal life Sunday, June 18, 2006, in Las Vegas, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 8, 1959 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to John E. and Carol E. (Wegner) Schiessl.


Oshkosh West High School is his alma mater, where he graduated on June 8, 1978. John always had a strong work ethic. This was evident by the early start of his employment career, beginning as a paperboy, with early morning wake-up calls, never disappointing his customers. This carried throughout his career at Oshkosh Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course, Oshkosh Country Club Golf Shop, and Evil Roy Slades. In 1980 he helped his mom open C-J's Trophies & Gifts and passionately worked there until moving to Las Vegas in 1992. He went to work for Las Vegas Golf and Tennis in Las Vegas and also franchises in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. He also worked for Hohl in One Golf and Pin High Golf in Las Vegas.


Success in his professional career was an important goal to John, but success as a person had top priority. The pinnacle of success on this front was evidenced by his loving family, long list of friends, and loyal business contacts. He achieved these rewards through his kind, generous, honest, loyal, and dependable nature, not to mention his sense of humor. The size of his heart was second to none and his warm, friendly smile was shared with all.


It is obvious golf was more than an interest, hobby or profession. It was a way of life that he loved, excelled at and shared with others. Bowling, fishing, dining with close friends, good music, drinking in the beauty of the desert and the mountains, and relaxing behind a video poker machine were also on John's list of favorite things to do. In his early years, you would not find John without his faithful dog, Kelly. They were inseparable.


John is survived by his parents; two sisters, Jan (Jerry) Ratchman and Jodie Hibsch; two nieces, Shannon Jo Ratchman and Logan Lu Ratchman; one nephew, Adam John Ratchman, all of Oshkosh; very special friend, Dixie Rea of Las Vegas; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Although John had no children of his own, he was honored and proud to be the godfather to Shannon Ratchman, Logan Ratchman, and Sabrina Mallett of Las Vegas. John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl Wegner and Lucille Wegner Moore, Max and Viola Schiessl; brother-in-law, Mark Hibsch; and step-grandparent, Henry Moore.


A Christian service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. in Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 300 North Eagle Street, with Captain Johnny Harsh officiating. A time of visitation and support will be held on Saturday from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment will take place in Peace Lutheran Cemetery. A Celebration of Life was held in Las Vegas on July 2, 2006 where John was lovingly honored and remembered by many friends and family, who shared how John enriched their lives with his caring, gentle touch.


In lieu of flowers, several memorials have been established in John's name. John is an angel that will always be among us.
Condolences may also be given online at www.seefeldfuneral.com.


Seefeld Funeral and
Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750