John Raymond Scheuch

He was born on June 28, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland to Esther Lee Ambrose and John Edwin Scheuch.

Growing up, John attended the Methodist Youth Group, and enjoyed Choir and Drama class. He was often in school plays and musical concerts. John was a Boy Scout and was active in that from the time his family moved to Kansas City up until his graduation from Center High School in 1971. After high school, John attended Northwest Missouri State University. He later finished his Bachelor's in Business at Baker University in 1996. For over 37 years, John worked in Service and Sales as a Water Treater, retiring in 2019 with Ecolab.

In 1973, during his time at Northwest Missouri State University, John went to visit a friend at Emporia State University where he met his wife, Helen, on a blind date. They were engaged three months later, and married on May 25,1974 in Topeka, Kansas. Shortly after they wed, John and Helen began attending Trinity Lutheran, where they helped form a young couples group that they were part of for over 25 years. In June of 1979, Jeremy was born. In March of 1983, John and Helen welcomed their daughter, Sarah. John was a very involved father, and would have done anything for his children. With Sarah, he enjoyed cuddling and playing catch in the backyard. With both Jeremy and Sarah, he enjoyed being a Scout Troop Leader, and taking them to many Royals games. Jeremy and Sarah recall many times talking over the phone with John. Though Sarah lives locally, she would talk to her dad every morning on her way to work. John and Helen's home was always welcome to anyone. Jeremy and Sarah recall having countless friends over, in which John and Helen would always treat as their own. He always viewed every person as an equal to the person next to them. Helen and John recently made the goal to visit all 50 state capitals. While they were not able to complete this goal together, they successfully visited 48 state capitals. Often, they enjoyed going to local wineries and book club with their church friends. They were very active members within their church, First Lutheran Church in Mission Hills, Kansas.

John devoted a large portion of his life to volunteer work. For 40+ years, he was Santa Claus for many children. John became president of Santa America in 2015 and was active up until recently. He often visited children with disabilities. Some of his favorite places to visit were KC Hospice House, Alexandra's House and countless other schools, organizations and families. He was also active with the Elves of Christmas Present. Once a month, John and Helen would help serve meals at the Gathering Place on Independence Avenue. They would also volunteer with Meals on Wheels and Solace House. Throughout everything, Helen was always with John, working behind the scenes and making their operations successful.

Preceding him in death were John's father's, John E. Scheuch and E. Albert Kreek, and his brother David L. Kreek.

Surviving him is his mother, Esther Kreek, his step-mother, Catherine Scheuch, his wife, Helen, his son Jeremy and his wife Danielle, a daughter, Sarah and her husband Kiel, a brother, Thomas and his husband Robert, and a sister, Mary Kay. Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Lukas, Parker, Chloe, Miles and Memphis, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many others who he called family.

On May 11, 2024 from 10 AM - 3 PM, a Blood Drive will be held in honor of John at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in Mission, Kansas.