Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Willitzer Obituary
He was born on March 15, 1955, in Defiance, Ohio, to the late John A. and Rose (Reynolds) Willitzer. John was a 1974 graduate of Defiance High School. He proudly served 8 years in the U.S. Marine Corp. from 1974-1981, including 3 tours on Okinawa. He was very proud to be a Marine and talked about his service to anyone who would listen to him.
Upon being honorably discharged in 1981 he spent several years in Key West, Florida working as a body builder, a landscaper, and working with the Florida State Patrol.
John is survived by four siblings, Audrey (Barry) Roth, Mark (Laurie) Willitzer, Sandra (Tim) Hutson, all of Defiance, and Crystal Willitzer of Antwerp, Ohio. He also leaves behind six nieces, four nephews, and many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Shelley Limber.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, with Rev. David Brobston officiating. Military rites will be presented by VFW #3360.
Memorials are suggested to the U.S. Marines, Heartland Hospice, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Willitzer
Sponsored by Schaffer Funeral Home.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in John Willitzer's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for John Willitzer
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Willitzer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
