Cupertino — John Ralph (Jack) Van Schaack, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, following a brief illness.
He leaves his wife of 58 years, Donna (Taylor) Van Schaack; his sons, Mark Van Schaack (Åse); Chris Van Schaack (Leslie); Andrew Van Schaack; his daughter, Jackie (Van Schaack) Whitehouse; nine grandchildren; three sisters; two brothers; many nieces and nephews; and even more close friends.
Born in Port Chicago, California on June 26, 1934, Jack was the fifth of ten children born to Ralph and Margaret (Keever) Van Schaack. His family moved many times while he was growing up and the family eventually settled in San Jose in the 1950s after his high school years.
In his early years, Jack was active in sports and other outdoor activities, and developed a love and appreciation for nature. After graduating from Marquette High School in Yakima Washington in 1952, he served as a medic in the army and, upon his discharge, began college at San Jose State. He earned a bachelor's degree in geology, and began a long career with the U.S. Geological Survey. He had a fairy tale romance with the girl next door (actually, across the street), and they were married in August of 1958.
Jack's career as a seismologist began in Colorado in 1961, before being transferred to Menlo Park in 1966. He remained there for 33 more years before retiring in 1999, bringing his tenure with the USGS to 38 years. He took great pride in his work and developed lasting friendships with his many coworkers.
During his 50 years as a resident of Cupertino, Jack was a dedicated volunteer for the Friends of the Cupertino Library, and was a stalwart worker at most of the book sales over the years. He faithfully attended St. Joseph of Cupertino Church and served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and all around fixer-of-things over the last five decades.
Jack was known as a committed friend and family man and was always willing to help those who needed it.
A rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 25 at Alameda Funeral Home on Saratoga Sunnyvale Road and a funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 26 at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church at 11:00 am.