Jack (John) Schiefer

1944 ~ 2021

Jack Schiefer of Salt Lake City, UT, passed Friday, May 7 at 12:10 am. Jack was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on May 16, 1944.

He had a special place in his heart for his mom Naomi and dad Hub, grandmother Mary Conway, and his unforgettable mother-in-law, Tess Williams.

He loved food – oh, he loved good food – and spending time with his grandchildren, family, and family-in-law. Chuck-a-Rama, anyone? And he loved to laugh – the most infectious belly laugh, head back, eyes crinkled in joy – and you couldn’t help but laugh with him.

Jack is survived by his patient, caring, intelligent wife and soul mate, Judy (53 years of love, family, and memories); one beautiful, talented daughter Jennifer (Schiefer) Hunter and her husband Gavin; one intelligent, intuitive friend and son John Schiefer and his wife Connie Lee. As much as he loved his children, his grandchildren were the lights of his life. He called them his four glorious grandchildren: Sophia, John, Lola, and his grandson and buddy, Milo. He was preceded in death by his loving sister and best friend Judy Riddle. He had a myriad of family spread throughout the U.S. who he would’ve loved to have seen more often: Steve and Brandi, Barb and Mark, Uncle Dave (recently passed) and his wife Lisa, Aunt Libby, Aunt Brenda, Aunt Debby, Ron and the late Brandon, Uncle John and Jane, Rachel and Rebekah, Michael, Melissa and Chris, Kim and Galen, Erin, and Darin.

Jack made many friends in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps. He loved his years as an elementary school teacher working with children. I think this shone through in all the wisdom he imparted on all of us. Jack always enjoyed his time spent with his friends (Coach) Tom, Ted, Sherm and Marianne, Mark, Denise, Richard, Carl, Gary, Russell and Janelle, and the many friends, mentors, and leaders at AT&T and the many customers and community friendships developed over the years, including the many relationships and fond memories of the numerous years of supporting the vision of Robert Redford and the Sundance Institute.

Graveside services will be held for intimate family. For those who wish to pay their respects to Jack, you can do so at larkinmortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, Jack’s only desire would be donations to the Humane Society, http://www.utahhumane.org/ or Best Friends Animal Society, http://www.bestfriends.org/ in his and Judy’s name.

The services were recorded and can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/EszuGHhXUdHqE5vfKEQC-nIfqXlC4v-CbGNGCB-a-vKHKgfy1-KtMQK1xZzU3FwA.SmjM5C_DWQKAuNaT?startTime=1621537247000

Jack wishes to leave us with these words: “No matter how bad things might seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel – ALWAYS! And never get too busy to say ‘You’ll be happy!’, ‘Thanks’, ‘I understand’, ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘I appreciate it’, ‘I’m sorry’, AND: GUESS WHAT??? I love you MORE!



Guestbook/Condolences

I've had the pleasure of working with Jack's daughter, Jen, for the past several years. She's a beautiful soul and a reflection of her amazing parents. She always speaks so highly and lovingly about her father. My heart goes out to his family for this sad loss.


- Amy Pett

Judy, I am so sorry for your Loss... Both of you have been such Good Neighbors. Jack was on an ongoing mission to "elevate" the Quality of Life and Community Spirit we enjoy here at PCC. His tireless effort was Successful, and IS Appreciated. I appreciate the example of "Honor, Love, and Respect" he showed for you whenever we saw him... He will be Missed... Gerry & Bobbi


- Gerry & Bobbi Green

Judy, I was shocked to learn of Jack's passing. I shall miss him-it was a comfort to me to know that you and Jack were my good neighbors. He was always so kind and considerate to me - Always a gentleman and a caring man. I know you are going to go through some really challenging times now adjusting to life without your sweetheart. Don't forget I'm just upstairs and you will always be welcome. Much love to you and your family-Arlene


- Arlene Hinich

Grandma and our entire family in Los Angeles were saddened to learn of the passing of Jack, a beloved husband, father, father in law, grandfather and much more!
We hope the fond memories can help ease your pain and keep your spirit strong.
Please accept our sincere condolences. And you are in our thought and prayers.


- The Yu’s family

Family Schiefer , Sending Over my most heartfelt condolences. You are all in our prayers & have Our most deepest Sympathies. Rossie. & Family


- Rossie

Uncle Jack, you were the best. You always made me smile. I love you and will miss you.

Love Darin


- Darin Lamarr

Judy, John, and Jennifer, my heart is breaking and so full at this time, I am so sorry for your loss and all of our loss, Floods of memories are flowing through my mind at this time, Jack was my leader, confidant, father like figure, counselor, but most of all my friend!!! Jack did not manage all of us at AT&T, but rather lead us, and was an example to all of us. I cried the day that Jack told me he was retiring, and I told him I didn’t know what I would do without him guiding and directing me. I will miss all of his sayings, “ Life‘s a bitch and then you die“, “How are you doing you old goat”, “ always plan for the worst, then hope for the best”, “ Mark, who do you report to“ (when I would get many request from headquarters or region asking for fire drills or reports). And many many more but I cannot share with in this message! I will miss that man, and I am grieving with you at this time, and I will miss and cherish the many many private conversations we had in his office, may God be with you and your family and loved ones at this time of this tremendous loss


- Mark Sackett

“Uncle Jack” will be missed. What an infectious personality and exuberant character he had. I am blessed to have known him as a little girl and tremendously honored to have known him as an adult. He always said he’d take care of me because “he knew some guys”! Love and miss you.


- Cody Rutledge Swinson

“We thought we were just having fun, but we were making memories!” —and oh, the memories! We always laughed about our trips together, parenting mistakes, and business partnerships. As Bob Hope would sing,
🎶”Thanks for the memories.” He will be missed by all who called him FRIEND.


- JaNelle and Russ

Oh my! What a loss. His smile, his grace, his caring, and his ability to make all feel welcome and counted. I'll never forget all of our great card playing and dinners together. My mom, Helen, loved Jack. He made her feel important and wanted. And also he and Judy would play my Mom's favorite card game: 500. What more could you ask of a dear friend. Condolences to Judy and her family. Dear Jude, hang in there. Love Becky


- Becky Chesnut

How I’m going to miss you, Jack. My brother-in-law since I was a teen, you never missed an opportunity to make me laugh. Remember playing the Farmer Says See and Say while I was on the phone with my cowboy boyfriend? Not funny at the time but it didn’t take me long to find the humor. You introduced me to some great music; Andre Bocelli, Harry Nillson, Lucinda Williams, KD Lang and lots more. I just never understood your fascination with Marie Osmond. Our family trip to Yellowstone is unforgettable mainly because it could have been the origin of our title, The Farkle Family! So many great memories shared with you, dear Jack. It’s comforting to know you’re hanging out with David and Brandon cracking jokes as only you could. I believe that when Mother saw you she immediately started cooking you a big meal. Save some for us because we’ll be there before you know it. Love you, Jack.


- Debby Atkinson

Dear Neighbor, Jack:
I can't imagine my first floor without you as our neighbor. Your sense of humor and astute knowledge of how things SHOULD be run were a sense of comfort to me. You rescued me with computer challenges and even more with my Xfinity set up--over and over again. Your appreciation of my original oil and water color paintings was always pleasing to me. I knew you meant your compliments. We have both been sick of late. It's so hard to be limited from what one is used to being and doing.

I have faith and hope in an eternal life where we see our friends and loved ones again and interact--without HOA problems or personal health problems--maybe as our best selves through the grace of Christ.

And, Dearest Judy--my mainstay as a next door neighbor, an honest "get it done" member of our HOA board, concerned with justice, fairness, and beautification of our shared space, particularly the garden we all enjoy. Celebrate all good memories, and lean on your faith at this time of Jack's transition. I am in California right now, but will fly back on May 25, 2021 for one week. I have my youngest daughter (42) birthday and my first great-grandchild birthday, turning one. I would like to spend some time with you, wondering about the mysteries and the blessings of life and personalities. I love you, Catherine Humphrey.


- Catherine Humphrey

I first met Jack 53 years ago when my sister brought him home to meet our family in Oklahoma. He immediately won us all over. Well, maybe with the exception of our Dad. Jack used to joke how he was scared of our Dad. Our Dad was an old fashioned Dad with a gruff exterior and was protective of his 4 daughters, but eventually Jack won him over also. My Mom loved Jack from day one. He was charming, funny, had this twinkle in his eye that would put anyone at ease. He had those attributes and more as long as I knew him. One day he reached out to everyone in the family to find out their birthdates. He made a list of the dates, and every year would text us with a birthday greeting. So, add thoughtful to that list of attributes. He loved Judy, John and Jennifer so much! Don't let me get started on how much he loved his Grandchildren, Milo, Lola, Sophia, and John. There isn't enough space to get it all on this page.
Judy, John and Jennifer. May all the love Jack had for you and all the sweet memories you have of him sustain you through this time of sorrow. Love you all so much!

Brenda, Darin, Kim, Galen and Erin


- Brenda S Nelson

I will miss Uncle Jack so damn much. He was a loving, thoughtful, understanding and compassionate man. He was always bigger than life and made people feel special. What I will remember most though is his humor. Looking back some of my biggest belly laughs were caused by Jack witticisms —especially stories from the Canevin and El Reys days. I am so grateful to have known him and find consolation in believing that he is with his beloved parents and sister. Sending my heartfelt love to Judy, John and Jennifer <3


- Barb Hennelly

Jack was the person who was almost first every time to greet new residents of the condo complex. He made everyone feel loved, appreciated, and at home. He was also so willing to help even if it cost him multiple stitches in his head. He was retrieving my keys from the bottom of the elevator shaft when he fell off the ladder--thus the stitches. When our thespian grandson was so admiring a cast autographed poster of Les Mix in the theatre room, Jack immediately insisted he have it! It is framed and adored in our grandson's apartment. Jack will be missed, but the blessing is that we still have Judy, and she is a wonder and joy to all. May your family be blessed with peace and the knowledge that Jack is alright and life is for the living.
Carolyn DeVries


- Carolyn DeVries

Oh Dr. Jack, my kindred soul, what in the world would Coach and I done without you, especially those last few years. You were family to me. I don’t have words significant enough to express my love and gratitude to you. And Judy, I am so grateful for the friendship we developed the last few years. You loved that but Jack more than he may have deserved at times. 😀. I am heartbroken at the world’s loss but am so confident that he has been reunited with so many who love him dearly, including my Dad. I am here for you when you are ready. Heaven gained an amazing onE in Jack. Oh how I will miss you. To you my friend Judy, all the love in the world and prayers that you will find some peace in the coming days, weeks, months. I love you. Holly


- Holly nissalke

Happy birthday, dad. I miss you. And guess what???


- Jennifer Hunter

Jack - Going to miss you bud.... Loved your passion for the Sundance Film Festival and your professional leadership at AT&T.


- Michael Shuping

Bill and I loved Jack and his easy outgoing acceptance of all. Even as part time residents of the condo, he was so and easy to to know and we so looked forward to seeing him. Always welcoming and helpful as you also were Judy. Thanks..,we are grateful for the time we had a chance to know such a loving and dear person. Judy, may your life continue with the remembrances of his love and devotion staying close to you. Keep enjoying the grandchildren and those around you who also love and appreciate you.


- Bill and Kathy Hemingway

Jack, Buddy so many good times yet to be had, yet I'll be forever deeply indebted for your advice and the many warm memories with you and Judy front and center. I know you've got a brisket on the smoker somewhere with a good story up your sleeve. It's your pick of the restaurant this time so we'll hold your place. I'll miss you in so many ways. Judy, we'll figure out a way to carry on.
Scott Muir


- Prescott Muir

Dear Schiefer Family,

You have my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Jack was such a fun-loving individual and I am lucky to have spent time with him. I will surely miss his smile and spirited laughter.

I know this is a difficult time for you, so if there is anything I can do to for you, please dont hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Andy Lee


- Andy Lee

Jack was such a positive force in our little community. Always willing to help out and make things better. He was so kind and welcoming when Paul and I moved in and has always been so kind to us!! We will miss his smile and wonderful energy. Love, Debby and Paul Wood


- Deborah and Paul Wood

Sincere condolences to Judy and all Jack's extended family and friends. I knew him fairly, but for only one year. When the Pittsburgh Diocese built a big area high school, they
closed St. James in the West End; so, Jack and his classmates were shipped to Carnegie, under duress, to join us at St. Luke's for our senior year. They were a great bunch, and Jack was one of the best. Personable, outgoing and funny, he was just a great guy to be around and to talk with. We've lost several classmates during the past year, but Jack is one of those we'll always remember. Please take this as coming from all the classmates who have not written, or who have not heard. Take good care. Will Scott, St Luke/St James High School, Class of 1962.


- William W. Scott, III

I love you sweetheart. I miss you so and I am so grateful for all you did for me, John and Jennifer. Thank you to all the friends who have written here. You touched us all in the best of ways. I love and miss you so much.


- Judy Schiefer

What can I say? We all lost a hero and you were very special. My heart is broken, but we will never forget what you did for our family. John and Sophia say hi! Love, your son, John


- JOHN SCHIEFER

I miss you.


- Judy Schiefer

I can’t believe I’ve been without you for three months. I think of you every day, miss you every day, and love you to the moon and back. And guess what???


- Jen Hunter