John Schlatter,

John Schlatter, Jr., 85, of Little River and formerly of Inman and Hutchinson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Sandstone Heights in Little River, KS.

John was a World War II Veteran, serving in the European Theater of Operations, honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. His main occupation was as Local 798 certified pipeline welder until 1974. He then began his own company, J&B Pipeline Construction. Those who worked beside him and knew him considered him to be "One of the best welders of all time." John retired in 1978 and enjoyed farming and raising livestock. He also became very crafty, with many woodworking projects along the way, as well as being a phenomenal cook.

He was born on July 18, 1926, in Inman, KS, the son of John Newton and Lena (Dyck) Schlatter. He was married 25 years to Dorothy M. Golden. He later married Bertha M. Killingsworth, who preceded him in death in 1998.

John was a member of the V.F.W. Post #1361 and American Legion Post #68, both of Hutchinson.

He is survived by: a son, Tim Schlatter and Sandy Bradley of Manhattan, KS; a daughter, Sandy Prose of Little River, KS; five grandchildren, Troy Prose, Amy Prose, Amber Prose, Eric Schlatter, and Tammy Thompson; and six great-grandchildren, Macy Schlatter, Gavin Schlatter, Kenna Schlatter, James Prose, Brooks Prose, and Mckenzie Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, three brothers, son, Chris Schlatter, and grandson, Ryan Prose.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, April 16, 2012, at the North Inman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Sandstone Heights, Little River, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Schlatter, please visit our Sympathy Store.