John Martin Yetzer
John Martin Yetzer, age 89, of Shelby, passed away early Sunday morning, April 21, 2024 at Ohiohealth Mansfield Hospital’s Inpatient Hospice Unit.
John was born May 15, 1934 in Shelby to the late Joseph Leo and Catharine Regina (Keller) Yetzer. A 1952 graduate of Shelby High School, John was a senior class executive and played halfback on the football team for the Whippets. Throughout high school John had worked at Islay’s in downtown Shelby until his father took him to Seltzer Electric Company inquiring about a job. This would change his working life and career.
On July 2, 1955 he married Doris Elaine Hunter and together they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Doris’ love for horses brought John to riding. In their early years of marriage, John served as a Richland Count Mounted Policeman patrolling the county fair- parking cars and maintaining order. In the 1960’s, they bought property on East Smiley Road, building a house and a barn for the horses made from parts from the Shelby Cycle Company building’s demolition. It was in this home that they raised their family of four and made many memories. John continued in the “horse arena” competing in barrel racing, becoming President of the Circle S Riding and Driving club, and having served as a Trustee for the Ohio Quarter Pony Association.
John’s working life was spent as an electricianprimarily as a project manager. A proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union for 70+ years and having once served as their President, John mentored many apprentices as they came through the program. In 1962, John and partners purchased Seltzer Electric Company. He later became the majority stockholder. Throughout his career, he helped with the completion of projects such as the Shelby Memorial Hospital addition, the L&K Restaurant, Citizen’s Bank addition, City of Shelby Utilities building, Marvin Memorial Library addition, St. Mary School, O’neil’s Department Store at the Richland Mall, Holiday Inn in downtown Mansfield, and many projects at the Ontario General Motors Plant- to name a few. In 1985 they sold the company which later became Charnan Electric. The company moved to Mansfield and John continued to work as an estimator until his retirement in 1996.
John was lifelong member of Most Pure
Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby and the Shelby Knights of Columbus. He loved fishing and spent many trips in Canada flying to remote regions to camp and fish. He was a charter member (more than 40 years) of the Catawba Point Association Park where summers were spent boating and fishing on Lake Erie. Even the grandchildren, who would not eat fish, loved eating his fried perch and walleye bites breaded with Ritz crackers. Additionally, John had a love and talent for woodworking, making many beautiful pieces and projects throughout his life.
John is survived by his children: Christina Lynn Drain, Susan Marie (Thomas) Lowery, Daniel Martin (Angela) Yetzer, and Jennifer Ann (Dana) Pennell all of Shelby; grandchildren: Katharine (Scott) Daniels, Sean (Jane) Drain, Phillip (Erin) Lowery, Anne (Nathan) Young, Steven (Kaylin) Lowery, Rachel (Neil) Jakubowski, Rhiannon (Troy) Keary, Taylor Yetzer, Caitlin Barrett (Daniel Eilenfeld), and Brooke (Nathan) Korbas; 13 great grandchildren: a sister: Joan Ashley; a brother: Dave Yetzer; in-laws: Marge Yetzer and Terry (Diana) Hunter; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John’s wife, Doris, preceded him in death on July 3, 2022. Additionally, his parents and brother, Joseph Lee Yetzer, also predeceased him.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 6-8 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a Rosary will be recited at 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the funeral mass with burial following in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the Catawba Point Association.
Condolences may be left on John’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (Penwellturner. com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/ Penwellfuneral).