John W. Schatz, age 82 of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.   
  
He was born on December 19, 1940 to the late Edward and Mildred (Roehrs) Schatz in Defiance County, Ohio. John was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Defiance College and was a teacher at Napoleon City Schools for over 30 years until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of the Board of Education at St. John Lutheran School, and the Advisory Board at The Ability Center. John was a real history buff, and also enjoyed music, flower gardening, antiquing, and spending time with his family.
  
John is survived by his brothers, Marvin (Connie) Schatz of O'Fallon, IL, Roger George (Linda) Schatz, and James (Nancy) Schatz, all of Defiance, his sisters, Barbara (Michael) Partchey of Fairview, PA, and Linda (Carl) Martin of Portland, OR, and many beloved nieces and nephews. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Dorothy Schatz.
  
The family would like to express special gratitude to all of his many dedicated caregivers over the years.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio, and for one hour prior to the service at the church. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.

 
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. John Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences can be given online at www.Schafferfh.com.

John was the leader/contact for the Defiance Post-Polio Support Group from 2011 to 2023.