John Gotschalk Obituary

John David Gotschalk

John David Gotschalk, Sr., 84, loving father, husband and friend, died peacefully at home in the early hours of Friday August 29th. John was predeceased by his wife, Jeanne, in 2007. He is survived by his brother, Ronny Gotschalk; sisters, Gretchen Hensley and Beverly Wash; son, John D. Gotschalk, Jr. (Megan); and daughters, Terry Willis (Stuart ) and Kelly Gotschalk (Ricky); five grandchildren, Shelly Persaud, Felix and Greta Gotschalk and Mitchell and Lucas Craft and countless friends.

John joined the US Navy as a teenager and saw a bit of the world before he met Jeanne and settled into 42 years of marriage. Together they raised three children in their own unconventional but loving way. John was a devoted father and wanted more than anything for his children to be happy and safe. John never got over losing Jeanne as she was (as he often said) "his one and only true love."

Building on an early interest in cars and racing go-carts, John became a diesel mechanic and worked at Eubank White, Colonial Ford and Truck Enterprises before retiring in 2009. He was a talented mechanic and once wrote to his daughter that he was "the J.S. Bach of diesel engines." In addition, he taught many young men the skills that he learned over the years.

John had a love of music dating back to his teenage years of listening to sh!t kicking music played by Sunshine Sue on the Old Dominion Barn Dance, to Chet Atkins, Dave Brubeck, Queen and later a full range of classical composers. He taught himself to play guitar and had an ear for nearly any instrument he might pick up.

The family wishes to thank Linda, Nikki, Joretha and Keyera not only for the exceptional care they provided through JerShySage, but also for loving him and helping him to stay in his home of 55 years that was so important to him.

The family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday, September 13th, at 2 p.m., at Bliley's Chippenham. The service will also be live streamed. The family will receive guests at the family home in Chester afterward.