John N. Schiefer

John N. Schiefer, 63, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, July 23, 2023 at Marion General Hospital from heart related complications.

He was born June 16, 1960 in Bucyrus to the late Norman and Ellie (Spiegel) Schiefer and raised on the family farm in Holmes Township. He graduated in 1978 from Wynford High School where he was active in FFA, band, theater productions, and managed the basketball team. All he ever wanted to do was raise a family, farm, and be a fireman and he lived his dream to the fullest. He met Vanessa Palm after being introduced by a mutual friend. After a brief courtship, they were married September 27, 1980. They partnered in life and farming, making every major decision together and started Schiefer Bins with John’s father in 1987. He retired from the Bucyrus Fire Department as a Lieutenant after 28 years and served on the Holmes Twp. VFD where he currently was the Chief.

If you knew John, you knew him to be a selfless public servant, husband, father, neighbor, and friend. His family couldn’t go out of state on vacation without running into someone he knew, let alone anywhere in Crawford County. His greatest blessings occurred every time his family gathered together for a meal. No project or job was too big to be put on hold if one of the grandkids had a program or game that needed to be attended. John took many young farmers and aspiring firefighters under his wing for a tour or encouraging talk. His absence will be felt by many and his infectious smile, laugh, and dependability will be missed.

John’s civic and church involvement includes his membership at Bucyrus United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and was the current head trustee, the former Grace UMC where he and Vanessa were youth leaders and active in Sunday School, Chief of Holmes Twp. VFD, Fire Inspector, member of the Crawford County Fire Chiefs, Wynford Elementary Building and Bond Committee, former national and state president of Ohio Young Farmers, Chairman of the Dairy Beef Feeder Committee with the Junior Fair, supporter of the Bucyrus Fire Department’s Toy Drive, and many other service related committees.

John is survived by his bride of nearly 43 years, Vanessa Schiefer; children, Andy (Kristin) Schiefer and Marcy (Jeremy) Maglott; grandchildren, Preston and Olivia Schiefer and Karson, Kaiden, and Brycen Maglott; brother, Tom (Julie) Schiefer; mother-in-law, Charlotte Palm; sister-in-law, Joann Palm, along with nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by father-in-law, Donald Palm and brother-in-law, Roy Palm

All services will be held at the Bucyrus UMC Worship Center, 227 S Walnut St., Bucyrus. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 26 from 1-9 pm. His funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday with Pastors Becky Stephens, Bill Sowers, and Tom Schiefer participating. The funeral procession will go past the Bucyrus Fire Department and Holmes Twp. Fire Department en route to Brokensword Cemetery where his final call will be sounded, and bell tolled.

John often said, “Flowers die, but toys survive.” John wishes to see toys including fire trucks, tractors, and stuffed animals brought to his services to fill the church in lieu of flowers. They will be donated to children’s hospitals and the BFD toy drive to continue his service towards the community. Memorial donations can also be made payable to Bucyrus UMC, Holmes Twp VFD, or Wynford Athletic Boosters and given at the church or Wise Funeral Service.

Memories and photos can be shared on John’s Tribute Wall.