John Henry Andrist

John Henry Andrist, age 82 of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024.   
  
He was born on November 9, 1941 to the late Henry and Norma (Viebauch) Andrist in Defiance. He was a 1959 graduate of Defiance High School. John proudly served our country in the U.S. Army in 1962.  In 1993, he married Sandra (Scheirer) Andrist who survives.  

John worked as Millwright at General Motors in Defiance until his retirement in 1991. He belonged to many social clubs in Defiance and was a life member of the AmVets and Eagles. He was also a member of the Defiance Masonic Temple.  In his free time he enjoyed many different activities, he was an avid golfer, scuba diver, motorcycle enthusiast, he also enjoyed playing Santa Clause around town every Christmas. John played minor league baseball for the Defiance Merchants but his true passion was for the martial arts. John achieved a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do from the Pil-Sung Academy of Martial Arts where he also served as instructor. He loved to work with his hands, a painter, fabricator. He was a jack of all trades. John also liked to sing karaoke and spend time with family and friends. He and his wife Sandi loved their trips to Las Vegas to visit friends and try his luck at the casinos. John absolutely adored his grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

John is survived by his wife Sandi, and his children, Kelly (Terry) Dockery of Continental, Shelly (Tim) Gares of Defiance, Shelby "Omar" Wilson of Seville, Jeff (Roni) Andrist of Archbold, Matt (Lisa) Andrist and Josh (Jennifer) Busch, all of Defiance.  He also leaves behind his 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded by his parents; son, Chad Andrist; brother, James Andrist; and sister, JoAnn West.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. 
  
Memorials are suggested to the Kidney Foundation. 

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