Joseph Schlechter

It is with great sadness that the family of Major Joseph R. Schlechter (U.S. Army, Ret.) announces his passing on August 10, 2018 at the age of 77.  Joseph passed peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Joseph was born in San Francisco on April 23rd, 1941, and later moved to Roseville, California with his family. He graduated from Roseville High School and promptly joined the U.S Army. After a three-year enlistment, he returned to Roseville to pursue a career in law enforcement. Joseph began his law enforcement career as a Roseville Police Department reserve officer.  Following, he joined Placer County Sheriff’s Department.  In 1966, he began a 35-year career with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as an officer and later an auto theft investigator.  His love and dedication to the CHP led him to volunteer as the Curator of the CHP Museum in Sacramento.  He was also a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for over 20 years.

Joseph, surrounded by his children, left this world the way he lived his life - with a quiet strength, with grace and dignity- a humble and beautiful man and an honorable soldier and dedicated police office.  Joseph was preceded in death by his loving wife, Victoria L. Schlechter. He is survived by his sister Susan Hewett of Boise, Idaho, children- Cherie R. McMahon of Herndon, Virginia, Joseph E. Schlechter of Sacramento, California, Michele R. Lasso of Newman Lake, Washington, Kristina R. Rivenbark of Wilmington, North Carolina, step-daughter Jennifer N. Moller of Sacramento, California, and step-son Jason P. Moller of Davis, California. Also surviving him are 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  A service will be announced at a later date.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 8, 2018 at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Davis.