John Francis Schlotman, 83, of Kentland, passed away at 8:03 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at George Ade Memorial Health Care Center of Brook after a year-long battle with colon cancer. He was born October 24, 1928 in Sheldon, Illinois to the late Oscar Francis and Gertrude Agnes (Quinn) Schlotman. He graduated from Sheldon High School in 1946. His marriage was to Thelma M. Cade on August 11, 1951 in Hoopeston, Illinois and she survives. John was a life-long resident of the Sheldon-Kentland area where he farmed until retirement several years ago. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Kentland, where he served as a parish council member and was instrumental in the re-opening of St. Joseph School in 1980. Surviving with his wife are four children; Mary Beth Weston (Gregory) of Westfield, John Steven Schlotman (Kathleen) of Kentland, William Kent Schlotman (Donna) of Sandcreek, Michigan and Robert Francis Schlotman (Julia) of Sheldon, Illinois. Also surviving are six grandchildren; Carrie, Lisa, Jason, James, Ellen and Joanna and five great-grandchildren; Stuart, Isabelle, Abe, Brooke and Morgan. He was preceded in death by one brother; Daniel Schlotman and four sisters; Dorothy Pothuisje, Luella Schlotman, Margaret Riker and Betty Leonard. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. (CDT) Friday, September 14, 2012 at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Kentland. Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. (CDT) Saturday, September 15, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland with Father Robert Bernotas officiating; interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery of Kentland. Memorial donations may be made in John's name to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland or the Kentland Food Pantry.