John Ashbacher

John Albert Ashbacher, age 91, formerly of Waukon, went home to be with the Lord Friday, March 11, 2022. Funeral service will be held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Evansville, WI Wednesday, March 16 at 1 p.m. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon March 17 at 1 p.m.

John was born December 9, 1930 in the French Creek area of rural Lansing, the son of Harold and Louise (Scharping) Ashbacher. He attended a one-room country school through eighth grade. He played football, basketball and baseball for Waukon High School before graduating in 1948.

John farmed with his father, Harold, until he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from January 7, 1954 to January 6, 1956. Upon his return, he resumed farming until he retired at the age of 81. In retirement, John enjoyed traveling with family to Japan, Israel and Turkey. John loved hunting, fishing, and playing baseball and cards.

John was very proud to be a member of the Iowa Whitetail Hall of Fame. John said he had two good wives and was proud of his four surviving children. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandsons.

He married Marian Blegan at Glenwood Lutheran Church in rural Decorah September 26, 1959, and the couple had five children. Following Marian’s death in 1992, John married Darlain Muenchow of Orfordville, WI October 9, 1994 at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Evansville, WI.

He is survived by his wife, Darlain; his four children, Andrea, Rhesa, Daryl (Julie) and Ross Ashbacher; two grandchildren, Dylan and Drew; three stepchildren, David Muenchow, Bruce (Sabrine) Muenchow and Becky (David) Sierzega; and other stepfamily members. Also surviving are a sister, Dorothy Lincoln-Smith; and two brothers, Richard (Carol) and Ronald Ashbacher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marian; an infant son; his sister, Arlene Ritchey; and two step-grandchildren.