W. John Aschemeier, 82, of Defiance, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Defiance Area Hospice Inpatient Center.

He was born on January 4, 1944 to Waldo and Wanda (Stevenson) Aschemeier in Napoleon, OH. On July 14, 2018 he married Donna Polce, whom survives.

John was a music educator and guidance counselor in the Norwalk Public School System for 30 years. In his younger years he was involved with helping at his grandparent's restaurant in the Defiance area, The Rainbow Inn. John was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, and a former member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Norwalk OH., where he was very involved within the church and St. Vincent DePaul Society. He enjoyed collecting Antique Vehicles, and was a past officer and coordinated many tours for Car Coddler's of Ohio. John was a talented musician who enjoyed playing many different musical instruments. 

John is survived by his loving spouse of 8 years, Donna Polce-Aschemeier, his brother, Joseph (Janet) Aschemeier, step children, Lisa (Brian) Becher, Erik (Kim) Olsson, and Jackie (Joe) Frejkowski, step grandchildren, Brittani Becher, Sydney Becher, Mallory Frejkowski, Madison Frejkowski, Mira Frejkowski, and Avery Olsson, also among his survivors include many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Waldo J. and Wanda Aschemeier, his 1st Wife, Susan Aschemeier, brother, Charles Aschemeier, grandparents, Harold and Wanetta Stevenson, and Edgar and Sophie Aschemeier.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm and on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11:00 am at St. John Catholic Church, Defiance, Ohio, with Fr. David Cirata, officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary Catholic Church or Donor's Choice.