On The Passing of Jack Schlossnagel

To: Brothers of Epsilon Pi                                                        

5 December 2011

The purpose of this letter is to offer some insights into what Jack Schlossnagel meant to the life of the Epsilon Pi Fraternity. I was extremely saddened to receive the news from Tom Haller that Jack had died and have been thinking about my relationship with Jack as a professor and as a friend during my time at Grove City College 1956-1960.

To begin with, I met Jack as he was my calculus professor in 1958 and we immediately developed a rapport as he had been recently serving as a 1/Lt in the US Army and I was an ROTC Cadet in the USAF intent on becoming a USAF Officer thru the Grove City College AFROTC Program. Turns out that both Jack and I were avid trout fisherman, and after I had Jack for calculus we became fast friends and fished the many trout streams around Grove City together. We often discussed things beyond GCC and Jack’s advice was always to look at the “big picture” and beyond graduation from GCC.

It was in 1958 or 1959 that we were in need of a faculty advisor and during one of my trips fishing with him, I asked Jack if he would consider becoming an advisor to Epsilon Pi. I further asked Jack to speak with Dr. Guthrie, from whom he could gain a unique insight into our fraternity. It suffices to say that Jack Schlossnagel was a very great advisor and friend to Epsilon Pi and the many, many young men who are now our alumni. All of us who knew Jack and who were positively influenced by this wonderful gentlemen and friend, are truly saddened by his death.

After my retirement from the USAF in 1990, I spoke with Jack at length regarding a possible position at GCC, which I had discussed with the then President, Dr. McKenzie. As a result of Jack’s advice and counsel, I proceeded to accept a position in the Private Sector, a decision I have never regretted and thanks to Jack’s advice, I went far beyond my wildest expectations and retired in 2003 as a Vice President from Parsons Aviation of Pasadena, CA. Whatever Jack could do for any of the brothers of Epsilon Pi only required that we ask him, and a straight, unvarnished reply would be soon forthcoming

Brothers, we have lost a great friend, stalwart companion and a truly one of a kind guy; someone who we should treasure knowing for the rest of our lives. Jack was the epitome of “Brothers Working for the Good of All.” My thoughts go out to Jean and their children, with the wish that you who are active EP’s at the College offer to help her with anything she needs—-after all, that is what Jack did for us!

Warm regards to all,

BRUCE W. JOHNSON, Colonel, USAF Retired

Grove City College and Epsilon Pi Class of 1960

 

 

Passing of Former EP Advisor Jack Schlossnagel

Jack E. Schlossnagel of 1001 E. Ketler Drive, Grove City, a Grove City resident since 1958, passed away at 6:25 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in Allgheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, of an illness since Sept. 12 of this year. He was 82.  Mr. Schlossnagel was born March 5, 1929, in Swissvale, Allegheny County, to Carl Edward Schlossnagel and Marie Cecilia Clarkson Scholossnagel.  Jack was a graduate of Munhall High School, Pittsburgh, class of 1947, and Grove City College class of 1951. During his college years, he earned a Varsity “G” for his swimming abilities.  Jack began teaching at Grove City College in 1958 and retired in 1995 as chairman of the college’s mathematics department.

He served as a first lieutenant in the Army from Dec. 16, 1955, to Sept. 17, 1957. Jack belonged to American Legion Post 159, Mercer.  He was a member of East Main Presbyterian Church, Grove City, and for 12 years was a member of the board of directors for Grove City Area School District.  Within the Grove City community, he worked with the recreation council and variance board and served on Grove City Borough Council. For many years, he helped with Boy Scout Troop 41 that met at Tower Presbyterian Church, and was a former scoutmaster for Troop 81 that met at East Main Presbyterian Church, both Grove City.  He golfed in the George Junior Tuesday Night Golf League and sang in a local barbershop quartet. He enjoyed his family, friends, golfing, hunting and fishing and often spent time at Hunter’s Farm practicing his golf swing and throwing a Frisbee to his black lab.

His wife, the former A. Jean Davis, whom he married Jan. 31, 1958, survives at home. He also leaves two sons, Chris Schlossnagel and his wife Jody; and Marty Schlossnagel and his wife Marge, all Grove City; and a sister, Vivian Sprinkle, Mentor, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to Epsilon Pi Fraternity Guthrie Scholarship Fund in care of Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127.  Service: Funeral services at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Thomas Funka, visitation pastor of East Main Presbyterian Church, Grove City, officiating.  Interment: With military honors at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, Pa.