John William Schutt, the son of Alfred T. and Dorothy A. (Klages) Schutt was born in Mankato, MN on September 4, 1934 and passed away on April 20, 2023.
He graduated from Mankato Loyola High School in 1952. He earned his bachelor’s and masters degree from the University of Minnesota – Mankato and Specialist degree from Hamline University. John served in the United States Army in Korea and was honorably discharged. He began his teaching career in Edgar, WI. This is where he met his future wife, Leona. They were married in 1960 and happily married until her passing in October 2022. They were blessed with four wonderful sons.
John taught English and Political Science in Hastings for 35 years. While teaching he served as President of the Hastings Education Association board, Minnesota Education Association board and the National Education Association board. In his spare time, he enjoyed umpiring softball for 43 years. John and Leona were worldwide travelers. He visited all 50 states, 47 countries and six of the seven continents. He was an avid Minnesota Gopher football fan and was a 55 year season ticket holder only missing five home games.
Family life was very important to John, as he loved and treasured spending time with family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Leona, his parents, his in-laws Alexander and Hattie Wagner, brother Tom, sister-in-law Marian David, brothers-in-law, Alois Wagner, Jerry Wagner, Duane David and nephew Dr. Mark Bernas.
John is survived by his beloved sons and their wives, Mark (Linda), Steve (Sherry), Dan (Beth), Mike and six very dear grandchildren, David, Michael, Jennifer, Hayden, Sarah, and Hannah. Sisters-in-law, Barb Schutt, Dorothy Bernas, Rose (John) Herrmann, Karen Wagner and Adeline Wagner, and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Please join us in wearing Minnesota Gopher colors in John’s honor at his visitation.
Visitation will be held from 4- 8 p.m. Friday, April 28 at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Mass will be live-streamed through the funeral home website. Interment with Military Honors will be in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery. Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is assisting the family.
“Though his smile is gone forever and his hand we cannot touch, we have so many memories of the man we loved so much. His memory is our keepsake, we now have him in our heart of which we will never part.” Memories from his loving wife Leona.
