John Joseph Schindele

John Joseph Schindele, age 78, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise, Idaho. Born on May 27, 1946, at Poplar, Montana, he was the son of Andrew and Eleanor Schindele (Lingle). He graduated from high school, in Poplar, in June of 1964, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for over 22 years as a training technician and transmit/receipt operator, retiring October 31, 1987, as a master sergeant. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, John earned two Air Force Commendation Medals for meritorious service. The first was for his service while stationed at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal from December 19, 1974 to December 18, 1977. The second was for service while he was stationed at Comiso Air Station, Italy, from April 11, 1985 to April 15, 1986.

John attended Park University and Boise State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in management. John also worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs, as a program clerk and program assistant, from September 18, 1989 through December 31, 2006. After retiring, John continued to assist his fellow veterans through his volunteer work until 2020.

John had been a long-time member of the American Legion, receiving his 55 year pen in 2023.

John also spent many years officiating youth and adult sports, including volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball. John was also passionate about bowling and golfing with his friends and family. He enjoyed watching and supporting Boise State and Gonzaga Universities athletics teams.

John married the love of his life, Karen Nellenbach, on June 14, 1969 in West Leyden, New York. Together, they raised three daughters.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers Richard, Charles, Michael, Gustav, Patrick, Thomas, and James. He is survived by his wife, Karen Schindele, daughters Carol Schindele, Kristina Schindele, and Lisa Schindele, and grandson Zachary Jessup. He is also survived by his bonus daughter, Dawn Best, and her daughter Isabella, and his bonus grandchildren, Paul, Nikki, and Cristina Calderon, and Danny and Natalie Lopez. John is also survived by his brothers Arthur Schindele and Andrew Schindele, and sisters Florence Frederick, Francis Breslin, Kathleen Salwey, Mary Turner, and Cecilia (Beth) Roen.

A memorial service will be held for John at the American Legion Post 26, 515 E 2nd St, Mountain Home, ID 83647 on November 18, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. It was John’s wish to be cremated and to be laid to rest in the Columbarian Niche at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise. A military service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on November 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

The family suggests donations of sympathy be made to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) or to Disabled American Veterans (dav.org)

The family wishes to thank staff at the Idaho State Veterans Home and Key Stone Hospice for caring for John during this past year.

Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the Schindele family at summersfuneral.com.