John Paul Goldenetz

John Paul Goldenetz, 83, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away on August 30, 2025.

John was born on July 12, 1942, to Paul and Mildred (McCann) Goldenetz. He was the only child of Paul and Mildred, who owned and operated the Goldenetz Supermarkets in Defiance and Hicksville, Ohio. On March 14, 1965, he married Mary Spies at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance.

Although he grew up in the grocery business, John decided to take a different career path. John graduated from Defiance High School and received his bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University. He attended graduate school at The Ohio State University before finishing his education at the Valparaiso Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor. Immediately after law school, John opened his solo law practice in Defiance where he served his clients until February of this year. 

His over 55 years of practicing law earned him several awards for his length of service. He was a member of The Defiance County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. He was a member of the Defiance Rotary Club for over 50 years and spent many years playing the piano for their weekly meetings.

John was a devout Christian and a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. He spent several terms as chairman of the congregation and enjoyed singing in the choir. John was also a founding member and president of the Defiance Interchurch Association. His life's accomplishments landed him in the pages of Marquis Who's Who.  John enjoyed traveling, photography, watching baseball, and playing Bridge. He took great pride in researching family history and genealogy and working with cousins to keep up an extensive family tree.

John is survived by his loving spouse of 60 years, Mary Goldenetz of Defiance, OH; daughter, Angela M. (Marc Wilson) Goldenetz of Indianapolis, IN; son, Michael J. Goldenetz of Fort Wayne, IN; grandson, Andrew M. Goldenetz; and granddaughter, Macy M. Goldenetz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul W. and Mildred C. Goldenetz.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance, Ohio, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. John will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church, The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio, or to CHP Hospice. Online condolences, message, and memories may be shared with the family at www.Schafferfh.com

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