Josephine "Jo" Emahiser

Josephine "Jo"

Emahiser

Josephine "Jo" Emahiser, 89, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025 at CHP Hospice, Defiance, Ohio, with her beloved family by her side.

She was born on April 19, 1936, to the late and Stanley and Sophie (Czernielewski) Szczepanski. On Feb. 20, 1954, she married the late Charles Gordon Emahiser. She worked at Walmart in Napoleon, Ohio, and was a member of Colton United Methodist Church, where she was the custodian for many years.

Jo was a lover not a fighter, a strong follower of Christ and loved her family unconditionally. She was an avid card player with family and friends, sneaky on her moves so a watchful eye was needed. Her world revolved around those around her, always putting everyone else before herself. Most of her later years were spent caring for Gordie and cherishing the life that they built together, attending as many functions as they could to support their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She'll be remembered for her love of robins, cardinals and gnomes, crocheting and knitting, the sunshine state, and her Polish cooking.

Jo is survived by her children, Deb (Bill) Spiess, Sebring, Florida, Julie (Tim) Bowen, Liberty Center, Ohio, Teresa (David) Jones, Napoleon, Ohio, Kay (Todd) Maassel, Defiance, Ohio, and Greg (Toni) Emahiser, Liberty Center, Ohio; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Carl) Pippin, Jamie (Kent) Snyder, Brad (Chelsea) Howe, David Bowen, Zach (Meagan) Bowen, Joe and Maddie (Connor) Jones, Lynnsey (Jared) and Logan (Zane) Maassel, Sarah (Nate) Emahiser, Haley (Cameron) Harris, Alexa (Jordan) Polsdorfer. Jo also had 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jo was preceded in death by daughter Linda; sisters Stella, Frannie, Irene; and brother Stanley "Harry."

A celebration of life will be held at the Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. Interment will be private. In memory of Jo donations can be made to CHP Hospice, Defiance or to the Colton United Methodist Church of Colton, Ohio.

Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.