James Schlatter, Age 76

James Arthur Schlatter, age 76, died on the farm in an accident on Saturday, August 29, 2015. He was born on November 20, 1938 on the family farm south of Lebanon, Smith County, Kansas. Jim was the oldest of three children born to Albert and Ruth (Pletcher) Schlatter. He attended Chalk Mound Grade School and Harlan High School. Jim graduated from Lebanon High School in 1956. He served his country in the National Guard. Jim farmed in a partnership with his brother from an early age.

He married Marianne Kats on December 27, 1969 at the Luctor Christian Reformed Church in Prairie View, Kansas. To this union was born three sons. Jim was a lifelong farmer and loved to discuss farming with anyone he met. Later in life he formed a partnership with his eldest son. Jim especially loved the cattle and was particularly proud of the triplet calves he had one year.

In his later years, Jim's joy was his grandchildren, and they loved to come to Poppy's farm. Jim and his grandchildren spent hours driving tractors, checking cows, and getting rides on various farm equipment. He enjoyed keeping track of the grandkids growth on a wall chart in the kitchen, and each fall Jim would take the kids on a hayrack ride around the farm followed by a bonfire.

Jim served in the community as a board member of Webster Township for over 50 years, and as a board member for the Lebanon School, Smith County Fair, and the Smith County Community Foundation. He was a baptized member of Oak Creek Christian Church in his youth and later transferred his membership to Dispatch Christian Reformed Church. Jim served as Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne; sons, Marion (Melanie) of Lebanon, Marvin (Heather) of Hutchinson, and Mark (Karla) of Salina. Grandchildren Abigail, Nathan, Jonathan, Ethan, and Zachary; Piper, Willow, Tucker, and Meadow; and Benjamin, Erik, Caleb, and Matthias. Brother, Ernie (Carla) Schlatter and Sister, Sharlyn Long. Brothers-in-law, Derek Kats and Sherlyn (Irene) Kats. Sister-in-law, Jean VandeHoef.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Warren Long and Samuel Allen, sisters-in-law, Barbara Schlatter and Shirley Kats, and granddaughter, Sarah Grace Schlatter.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Monday, August 31, 2015 with the family being present at the mortuary.

Burial will be at 9:30 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at the North Oak Creek Cemetery, Rural Lebanon.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at the Dispatch Christian Reformed Church, Dispatch, KS with Pastor Steve Boersma officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be given to the Dispatch Christian Reformed Church or The Smith County Community Foundation and can be sent in care of the mortuary.

Other Obituaries

Beloit, KS 67420, USA