John A. Willitzer

DEFIANCE - John Anthony "Jack" Willitzer, Sr., 92, passed away early morning on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at his home in Defiance. He lived with his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Tim Hutson.

Born on September 1, 1931, to the late Joseph and Helen (Hart) Willitzer in Independence, Ohio. He and his family lived in the old homestead built by his grandparents on Standley Road before moving to Paulding at a young age. When he was 14 he was enrolled in the seminary in Carthagena with his good friend, John. After being there a few months they decided it wasn't the place for them and decided to run away. They were stopped close to the edge of the property (many acres!) and then were asked to leave. He always laughed and said that's what they were trying to do!

Jack joined the Merchant Marines and National Guard before quitting his senior year of high school to proudly serve in the US Navy. He received his high school diploma from Paulding High School in 2013 with the help of the veteran's office. He was so proud standing in front of the graduating class dressed in his Honor Guard uniform as they gave him a standing ovation before handing him his diploma!

On March 13, 1954, he married Rose Marie Reynolds who passed away in 2008. He was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance, an Usher and Greeter for many years and an Honor Guard for the VFW in Defiance until Covid shut down the country and he lost his strength when it opened back up. He was a life member of Defiance Eagles #372, VFW #3360, and a member of Moose Lodge # 2094. In his younger years he owned the Sinclair Gas station, put up antennas, and worked at Dinner Bell as a truck driver. He continued to drive truck for B&H Trucking and Freightway until his retirement in 1993.

Jack was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns and The OSU Buckeyes. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and friends that became his family.

Jack is survived by his children; John A. Willitzer, Jr., Audrey Lynn (Barry) Roth, Mark (Laurie) Willitzer, Sandra (Tim) Hutson, all of Defiance, and Crystal Willitzer of Antwerp, his grandchildren; Chad, Danica, Emily, Misti, Kacey, Miles, Stetson, George, Taven and Kahlia, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Maxine Pippin and Carol Willitzer, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Helen Willitzer, daughter Shelley Limber, sisters Helene Justus, Geraldine Font, Geneva Waldron, Joan Clark and Eileen Mack, brothers Bob, Dick, Don, and Wayne "Bud" Willitzer.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home on Jefferson Avenue in Defiance. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance, Ft. Defiance Humane Society, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.