1928 - 2015
COOPERSTOWN - John H. Schallert, Sr., 87, of Fork Shop, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 3, 2015, at the home of his daughter, Patricia, in Kalama, Washington.
He was born November 5, 1928, in Cooperstown, a son of Otto F. and Florentina (Petri) Schallert. He spent the early years of his life with his family at the Toddsville store, which they operated and lived in an apartment upstairs. The store has since been moved to The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown. From there they moved to Oaksville where he spent the remainder of his childhood.
In 1946, John married Violet Weir or "Buster" as she was affectionately known.
Soon thereafter John enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II as a Military Policeman. He received his Honorable Discharge from the military and returned to Fly Creek.
John was a logger until the 1960s, at which time he and Violet purchased Fork Shop Farm on Bissell Road in Fly Creek, which they operated until his retirement in 1995. A lifelong breeder of Registered Holstein cattle, he was very proud of the "Fork Shop" prefix granted him by the Holstein-Fresian Association of America.
John is survived by two sons, John H. Schallert, Jr. and JoAnn L. Dow of Hartwick and Richard J. Schallert of Milford; five daughters, Sherlee S. Rathbone and George Anzelone of Fly Creek, Bonnie J. Eldridge and Bill Burwell of Golden Lake, Ontario, Cathy S. Rose of Burlington Flats, Patricia V.M. Schallert and Mike Phillips of Kalama, Washington, and Shelley S. Wedderspoon of Cooperstown; many grandchildren, great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Violet; a daughter, Janet Truax; a grandson, Denis James Schallert; a brother Otto F. Schallert; and three sisters, Pauline Smith, Florentine Ottaway and Minnie Moseman.
Family and friends may call from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2015, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.
A Funeral Service will be held in his honor at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2015, at the Fly Creek United Methodist Church with the Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd, pastor, officiating.
A graveside service will follow at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek with James Atwell officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Fly Creek United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 128, Fly Creek, NY 13337.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
