Johann Nickolaus Schalk, 89

April 11, 1927 — May 20, 2016

Johann Nickolaus Schalk was born in Langen, Germany, in 1927 and was ushered into eternity on May 20, 2016, at 2:55 p.m.

Johann spent the first 24 years of his life in Langen with his parents and five brothers and six sisters. Johann was the only one in his family to leave Germany in March 1952 and come to the United States of America where he saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time and said to himself, “that’s going to be my new country.”

In June 1954, Johann joined the Air Force and became a citizen of the United States and shortly after married Gwendolyn Mae Drake on Feb. 16, 1956; they had children and were married for 49 years. He was a devoted husband and a loving father.

Johann loved the outdoors and spent much of his time fishing and hunting with friends and family. He also enjoyed camping, playing horseshoes, tying flies, building fishing poles, playing penny poker, laughing and telling corny jokes and making Christmas wreaths. Everyone who knew him knew he could fix anything, sometimes better than it was before.

Johann is survived by his three children, Doris Cain (Joe), John Schalk (Cindy) and Steve Schalk (Mary); five grandchildren, Trevor Schalk, Tanner Schalk, Amos Schalk, Janae Schalk and Hannah Schalk; and one great-granddaughter, Violet Mae Schalk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many and was loved by all who knew him. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Viewing will be held from 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, with funeral service beginning at 10 a.m. Please visit Johann’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.