He was born on June 1, 1945, at home in rural Greenwood, NE, to William Henry and Minnie Mae (Hammer) Schuelke and attended school in Waverly, NE, graduating in 1963. He enlisted in the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1965 and served as an Aircraft Fuel System Specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1971 at the rank of Staff Sergeant E-5 after his full service of term and has since been a member of the Ashland Legion Post 129.
Johnny was proud of his service to our country, and equally proud as the owner of his first (John Deere) tractor in high school and helped his dad and uncle farm when available. Eventually, through the acquisition of his own land and rental land, his operation grew to 3,000 acres. Johnny was married and had two sons, Jonnie and Kevin, prior to meeting and marrying Sandra “Sandy” (Gregory) Boldt on January 3, 1992. With her help, he continued farming until his retirement in 2022. He loved farming and took great pride in his hard work and the care he took of his farm, home, and equipment. While his children were in school, Johnny served on the School Board for District 145. Over the years he also did snow removal and worked at Goodyear and Norton Labs.
Johnny loved and enjoyed his extended and mixed family, which he was blessed to watch grow over the years. He had a special affection for all the grandbabies and enjoyed sneaking them sweets and taking them on rides on his mower, 4-wheeler, Gator, or, best of all, the Big Green Combine. You would also regularly find him next to Sandy in the seats at a Waverly, Sterling, Pius X, or Lansing (KS) event, making new friends everywhere he went.
Johnny is predeceased by his parents, William and Minnie Schuelke; brothers, Billy Schuelke and Ronnie Schulke. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; children, Kevin (Debbie) Schuelke, Jonnie Schuelke, Montica (Heath) LaRue, Mollie (Mike) Miriovsky, Luke (Melissa) Boldt, Rebekah “Beki” (Zach) Maahs, and Levi (Jillian) Boldt; grandchildren, Chase (Brittany) LaRue, Kensly (Keegan) Williams, Jacob Schuelke, Kyle Schuelke, Chelsie LaRue, Cheyenne (Kari) Schuelke, Bailey (Coleton) Lovell, Haylee Boldt, Emah Maahs, Logan Schuelke, Macy (Justin) Skinner, Sam Boldt, Morgan Schuelke, Nicholas Miriovsky, Katy Boldt, Nolan Maahs, Stephen Miriovsky, Marin Maahs, Landry Maahs, and Hendrix Boldt; great-grandchildren: Ryot LaRue, Liam LaRue, Recker LaRue, Rowdie LaRue, Emmett Williams, Elsie Williams, and Ransom LaRue; brother, Danny Schuelke; sister-in-law, Mary Schuelke; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024, Roper and Sons, South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive, Lincoln, NE. Private family interment.
Visitation with family present from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, Roper and Sons, Waverly Chapel, 10851 N. 148th Street, Waverly, NE.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to American Legion Post 129, 1541 Silver Street, Ashland, NE 68003.