Obituaries

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

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Condolences to the Family

September 29, 2025

Tim, Debbie & Bryan,
So sorry to read of Jude’s passing. I remember seeing his warm smile at all LCHS football games. May he rest in the peace of Our Lord.
Bruno S. Schmalhofer

September 23, 2025

Tim, I’m so sorry I forgot you. I probably know you & Debbie better than Karen & Michel. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Mary Anne

September 23, 2025

Dear Karen and Michael, Please accept my deepest Sympathy. I’ve known Jude since he was 10 yrs. old. When Bob & I dated & were friends of Chuck & Mary’s, we spent many times celebrating Birthdays with cake & ice cream at thart long kitchen table at the Schlager’s. Since Bob & I each had only one brother, we were in awe of this big family & how much fun it was. I have many great memories of that E. Chestnut St. home. As a matter of fact, Chuck had Bob’s Bachelor party there the night before we got married. Karen, I always appreciated what you did for the LCHS Phoathon and Michael, thanks for being there in your Dad’s final years. Wil you also offer my condolences to Wanda on her loss of Lodie. What lovely ladies they were. I didn’t know where to contact Wanda.I used to see the 3 of them at St. Leo’s 4:30 Sat Mass. Once again, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please extend my sympathy to all Jude’s syblings. Love, Mary Anne Aichele

September 22, 2025

REST IN PEACE!
Jude was a friend and President of our 1957 class at Lncaster Catholic High. My prayers are with Sr. Wanda and the rest of the Schlager family.
Sr. Patricia Wickenheiser

September 22, 2025

I worked with Jude many years ago at WGAL, and have fond memories of our work years. The girls in Continuity regularly sang “Hey, Jude” to him! Marylu Slaugh Tyger

September 22, 2025

So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a good man and he will surely be missed. Rest in peace ✝️

September 21, 2025

What a wonderful blessing to be a friend of Jude. I am so thankful to God that Jude initiated the Divine Mercy Prayer group at St. Philip’s, where both Jude and Mary Kay were members. Because of Jude’s dedicated leadership we continue to meet on Wednesdays after the 9 am Mass. With dear Jude you could always count on his ever present smile and warm, happy personality. I am also grateful to God that Jude’s son Michael was there with him to give assistance. Also grateful to God to know and be friends with Jude’s sister, Sister Wanda. There again both Jude and Sister Wanda were such a pleasure to be in their great company. They both shared such delightful senses of humor as they teased each other and made me smile so many times. I will surely miss the presence of Jude. My sincere sympathy to all of the family. Just as Jude has requested I will will be praying to St. Gertrude for peace for his soul. Jude definitely left a lasting, positive and caring impression on everyone who was blessed to know him.
May the Divine Mercy of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and St. Faustina bring him extra special graces and blessings to Jude and all his family. Thanks, Jean Polansky

September 21, 2025

Jude was my coach as a Catholic High freshman. He was a good coach and a good person. Condolences to his family.
John Palko

September 21, 2025

Jude was a friend of mine and a friend of many in and around Lancaster. We enjoyed our time at Lancaster Catholic and will miss his wisdom and friendship.
WILLIAM CACI

September 21, 2025

To the family of Jude: I worked with Jude through ourSt. Josephs CCD Program . He was a wonderful Catholic Christian and a truly kind person. May he Rest in Peace now as he reunites with his Beloved Wife. He was my husband Bob’s cousin. God Bless your family. SINCERELY BONNIE SCHLAGER

September 20, 2025

May he rest in peace and be restored in Eternal Life with our Lord Jesus Christ. Condolences to all of the family. Christine Anderson-Spiess

Visitation: Thursday, September 25, 2025; 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 East Delp Road; Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services: Thursday, September 25, 2025; 10:30 AM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 East Delp Road; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >