Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 12/22/1999

John C. Schellinger

Dec. 13, 1956 - Dec. 19, 1999

John C. Schellinger, 43, a longtime resident of South Bend, Ind., died suddenly of heart failure on Sunday, Dec. 19, in Seattle, Wash., where he had relocated earlier in 1999. His commitment to family was enormous, and family and friends will greatly miss John's generous and caring spirit. To those who were fortunate to know "Peanut," he was always there with an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and humor to get through trying times. He leaves us with wonderful memories of his smile and abundant warmth.

John was born in South Bend on Dec. 13, 1956, to Boyd and Patricia (McCarthy) Schellinger. John was preceded in death by his mother on July 2, 1993.

On Feb. 28, 1997, John married the former Tonya L. Riffle, who survives with their son, Jesse Houck-Schellinger. John is also survived by three sisters, Mary Clare (Bob) Hurt of Parma, Ohio, Pattie Sue (Bill) Lindburg of Valparaiso, Ind., and Anne Schellinger of South Bend; four brothers, Bob (Lorri) Schellinger of LaPorte, Ind., Jim (Laura) Schellinger of Indianapolis, Ind., Joe (Jayne) Schellinger of Granger, Ind., and Major Michael (Megan) Schellinger of South Bend; and by 21 nieces and nephews.

John was a standout football and baseball player at St. Joseph's High School in South Bend, and went on to play football at Hanover College where he graduated in 1979. He was an employee of Con-Way Central Express in South Bend before accepting a position as operations manager for Con-Way Transportation Services in Seattle earlier this year.

Family and friends may pay respects from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, in the Hickey Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend. A prayer service will be held at 4 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 24, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1520 Vassar, South Bend.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Jesse Houck-Schellinger Education Fund at Teachers Credit Union, 110 S. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.