J. Jude Schlager, 86

September 17, 2025

J. Jude Schlager, 86, died at his home in Lancaster, PA, on September 17, 2025. Jude was the son of the late Joseph E. Schlager and Genevieve E. Ganse. He was the husband of the late Mary Catherine (Celia) who preceded him in death in March of 2021. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Dr. Charles Schlager and James Schlager.

Jude was a lifelong resident of Lancaster and graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School as a part of the class of 1957. He went on to further his education at Millersville State Teachers College where he completed his bachelor’s degree. He taught history in the Solanco school district and then at Lancaster Country Day School. He then had a career change and moved into sales and promotions for WGAL where he worked for just under 25 years. However, if he was asked about his profession, he likely would have responded that he was a professional “Pappy.”

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Catherine, in July of 1958. They were married nearly 63 years at the time of her death. Jude is survived by his three children, Karen Eichelberger (Jim) of Conestoga, Michael Schlager of Lancaster, and Timothy Schlager (Debbie) of Mountville. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Karli Fickes (Michael) of York, Christi Sekulski (Daniel) of Phoenixville, Bryan Schlager of Mountville, Taylor Newswanger (Tyler) of Lancaster, Carey Beth Estabrook (Kevin) of Strasburg, Amanda Prince (Gordon) of West Chester, and Erika Stoltz (Cory) of Lancaster. He was very proud to have a namesake for his first great grandson, Jude Fickes. He was also blessed with 12 other great grandchildren that he loved very dearly- Jocelyn Fickes, Logan Fickes, Reece Sekulski, Austen Sekulski, Shae Sekulski, Bowen Sekulski, Quinn Newswanger, Chloe Newswanger, Naomi Prince, Ruby Stoltz, Lucy Stoltz, and Sylvie Stoltz. Jude is also survived by his siblings Carol Dailey (George) of Cape May Courthouse, NJ; Sister Wanda Schlager of Willow Street, and Thomas Schlager of Mechanicsburg.

Jude knew no greater joy than spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was likely to be found playing with them in a local park, his backyard, or enjoying an Oreo cookie McFlurry with them on a nice day. He enjoyed playing golf and participating in the famous yearly “Garage Open” with his high school buddies. He spent many years officiating high school football games. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers. He was thankful he was able to witness two Eagles super bowl wins in his lifetime! He was a devout Catholic. He was a long-time member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and raised his family attending church services and events. In his later years, he brought many to join the faith through instructing RCIA classes. He was steadfast in his prayers to St. Gertrude for all the souls in purgatory. One of his greatest wishes was that people would pray to St. Gertrude on his behalf after his death for his soul.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Choices Palliative Team and then the Purple Team at Hospice and Community Care for the excellent care that Jude received in the last months of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial with The Very Rev. Daniel F.X. Powell, V.F. as Celebrant will take place 10:30 am Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Jude’s family will receive guests from 10 to 10:30 am at the church. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care, Development Office, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Hospice & Community Care