Friends and family remember student for his devout faith
By: Chris Hokanson
Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: News
Faith was an important part of John Schuessler's life. He was training to be a pastor underneath David Reynolds at Calvary Chapel Aggieland, and everyone who knew John was impacted by his faith, said John's sister, freshman health major Katie Schuessler.
John Schuessler, a senior communications major from Kerrville, died Dec. 27. He and sophomore biochemistry major Nghi Ngo are being honored at Silver Taps Tuesday night.
John died from apparently natural causes. He was found lying down in his living room, face up with his hands over his head - a position he could usually be found in while praying, Katie said.
"John's faith was very serious, it wasn't just a game to him," she said. "That's why so many people loved John, because he could be real with them, and he could be joyful because he knew God."
Courtney Gross, a senior anthropology major and friend of John's, said she never met anyone in her life like John. Gross, who lived with John's girlfriend, Laura Ritchie, said she remembers John because of the constant smile he wore and the fun she had with him.
"One of the things that he and Laura absolutely loved to do was play old-school Golden Eye on Super Nintendo," she said. "Usually, he won."
But, Gross said, John's faith took precedence in his life.
"John was completely devoted to Jesus. Everything about his life was Christ-centered. He truly put others above himself," she said.
Not only was John immersed in work with his church in College Station, he was involved with groups like Gospel for Asia and Voice of the Martyrs. At A&M, he worked with Impact and A&M Christian Fellowship.
John put his faith first, but he also gave priority to his family and friends, Katie said.
"John was always an example to me growing up, and he continued to be," Katie said. "I loved being with John, but he never made me feel like I was tagging along. He was proud to introduce me as his little sister."
"I'm honored, not only to be his sister and to be his friend, but to be his sister in Christ," she said.
John Schuessler, a senior communications major from Kerrville, died Dec. 27. He and sophomore biochemistry major Nghi Ngo are being honored at Silver Taps Tuesday night.
John died from apparently natural causes. He was found lying down in his living room, face up with his hands over his head - a position he could usually be found in while praying, Katie said.
"John's faith was very serious, it wasn't just a game to him," she said. "That's why so many people loved John, because he could be real with them, and he could be joyful because he knew God."
Courtney Gross, a senior anthropology major and friend of John's, said she never met anyone in her life like John. Gross, who lived with John's girlfriend, Laura Ritchie, said she remembers John because of the constant smile he wore and the fun she had with him.
"One of the things that he and Laura absolutely loved to do was play old-school Golden Eye on Super Nintendo," she said. "Usually, he won."
But, Gross said, John's faith took precedence in his life.
"John was completely devoted to Jesus. Everything about his life was Christ-centered. He truly put others above himself," she said.
Not only was John immersed in work with his church in College Station, he was involved with groups like Gospel for Asia and Voice of the Martyrs. At A&M, he worked with Impact and A&M Christian Fellowship.
John put his faith first, but he also gave priority to his family and friends, Katie said.
"John was always an example to me growing up, and he continued to be," Katie said. "I loved being with John, but he never made me feel like I was tagging along. He was proud to introduce me as his little sister."
"I'm honored, not only to be his sister and to be his friend, but to be his sister in Christ," she said.
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