Jon Schlutter Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in honor of Jon Schlutter, an avid bowler, sports fan, and outdoorsman. Jon was a generous man who wanted nothing more than for the people around him to be enjoying life as much as he was.

Jon started his bowling career at the age of 8. He was hooked when he first heard the crash of the pins as he threw his first strike at Skipps Bowling Center in Stevens Point. As the years went by, Jon continued to progress as a bowler. He made tournament appearances in Reno, Nevada, and other tournaments across the upper Midwest.

Jon was known for his “double ball bounce.” When Jon would walk up the approach and release the bowling ball, it would always bounce twice before it would make the big curve into the pocket. Those bowling balls found the pocket many times including multiple 300 games and 700 series. Many of the bowling alley owners worried Jon’s bowling ball would bounce so hard that it would go through their lanes. Jon just smiled and continued letting the ball crack the pins.

Jon purchased a new bowling ball for each of his nieces and nephews so they could have a chance to enjoy a hobby that he had loved so much.

During his time away from bowling, Jon would spend time following Wisconsin sports teams while watching the wildlife enjoy his 80 acres of prime hunting land. Whitetail deer and turkeys were always found eating at one of the food plots Jon had planted for them. An avid bow and rifle hunter, Jon harvested many deer from his property. As the family grew, family members and friends became old enough to hunt. Jon always said, “as long as you help maintain the land, you’re welcome to hunt out here anytime and to always harvest a buck bigger than your previous one.” He loved to see people enjoy his land just as much as he enjoyed his land.

As the bowling slowed to only a few times a week bowling in leagues at Whitetail Lanes, Jon decided to start giving back by helping coach the Amherst bowling team. He brought a fun atmosphere to the team year in and year out and traveled to tournaments across Wisconsin.

The Schlutter family hopes the recipient of this scholarship represents it in a way that Jon would if he would have received it. Jon was a great man who wanted nothing more but to make sure the people around him were always enjoying life as much as he had.