JW was born to Albert & Dorothy (Kuehnert) Schaaf on May 26, 1960, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He passed from this life on June 25, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 63.  JW was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his siblings, Diana Miller of Fort Wayne IN, Charlie (Joyce) Schaaf of Woodburn IN, and Garry (Pam) Schaaf of Fort Wayne IN; niece, Stacy Bowman and nephews, Matt Schaaf, Austin Miller, Sterling Schaaf & Doug Schaaf.

JW was a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  After high school he attended Indiana University and received a Bachelor of Science.  This was followed by a Masters Degree in Foreign Language Teaching from the University of Texas and also a Masters Degree from Baylor University School of Medicine as a Physicians Assistant.  He was a member of the most prestigious honor society, Phi Beta Kappa.

He loved broadening his horizons and expanding his educational opportunities.  He completed high school in 3 years, completed IU in 3 years, spoke 5 languages fluently, taught numerous computer languages and programs, was a foreign exchange student in Japan, taught English in Japan, sang in various choirs.

JW had lived and worked in San Antonio for many years, but had also lived in Japan, Houston, Texas, and Woodburn, Indiana.  His hobbies included: cooking, reading, traveling, singing, arranging flowers, gardening, and ice skating.

JW retired after over 20 years in federal service with the US Courts. His career path also included being a Physician's Assistant, a Japanese instructor for the TI-IN distance learning organization, Spanish Instructor at Churchill High School, and English Instructor in Japan.

JW's favorite quotes are best left off the internet and out of the newspaper.  He enjoyed throwing dinner parties, providing Scooby Snacks for his classes, and traveling with friends.

He was a friend to many.

At JW's request there will be no service.

Please join his family and friends and celebrate his life by enjoying time with friends and family,

trying a new recipe, visiting a new place, reading a good book, or petting your dog.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorials be made to:

Concordia Lutheran High School,

1601 St. Joe River Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46805, (Madrid Foreign Exchange Program)

or

The San Antonio Food Bank,

5200 Historic, Old Hwy 90 W, San Antonio, TX 78227

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com