John M. "Cuzz" Schelling, age 74 of Defiance, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on June 7, 1946 to the late Clyde and Marion (Roedel) Schelling in Defiance, Ohio. John was a 1964 graduate of Defiance High School. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam War. On October 14, 1995 he married Janet R. Polasek, who survives.

John was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and Defiance DAV for over fifty years. He worked for over 30 years as a Metallurgist at General Motors in Defiance until his retirement. He loved classic cars, driving his 442, and was very active with Maumee Valley Car Club. Affectionately known by many as "Cuzz", he enjoyed reading, walking, WWII History, doing crosswords and word searches, and watching car races and sports. John was a straight shooter, very comical, kind and generous man. He will be sadly missed by his family, and so many good friends. John is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Janet Polasek-Schelling of Defiance, his brother-in-law, Joseph Polasek of Defiance, sister-in-law, Mary (Ray) Collins of Robins, Iowa, his special cousin, Donald (Deborah) Dunbar of Defiance, special family friend, Darlene Schimoller of Angola, Indiana, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Rev. Michael E. Schelling. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Rosary Service at 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Father John Stites officiating. Due to the pandemic, masks and social distancing are required for all visitation and services. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, with graveside military honors accorded by VFW #3360. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church for Masses, or St. Vincent DePaul Society Fund. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

St Mary Catholic Church for Masses
707 Jefferson Ave, Defiance OH 43512

St Vincent DePaul Society
707 Jefferson Ave, Defiance OH 43512