Johnie William Schiemer went to eternal rest on February 26, 2024; it was his deceased wife Joan's birthday.  He was born on July 18, 1937, in Puyallup, WA and passed away at his assisted living home in Yuma, AZ.  Johnie was a kindhearted and gentle soul; he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.  He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

He graduated from Bethel High School in Graham, WA in 1956.  After high school Johnie joined the Navy and served for two years until he was honorably discharged.  After serving in the Navy, he received a certificate of completion as an airframe and engine mechanic for piston airplanes.  Johnie would have had to move to San Francisco to work as an A&E mechanic.  However, he did not want to leave the Puget Sound area, so he changed careers and began a long vocation in industrial construction as a boilermaker.  His career as a boilermaker spanned almost 40 years and allowed him to travel the Western U.S., including Alaska, building power plants, and working on other industrial construction projects.  He retired as a boilermaker on his 62nd birthday.

Johnie met his wife of 62 years, Joan Schiemer, on a blind date arranged by Joan's close friend Peggy Waldherr.  They were married on June 25th, 1960.  After living and raising their family in the Tacoma area, they retired and moved to Yuma, AZ, as winter residents.  They would spend their summers traveling and visiting their family, grandchildren and their many friends.  He also enjoyed many years of golfing and fishing.

They were active parishioners at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Yuma.  Johnie loved staying busy being involved in the church community.  He enjoyed volunteering for bingo and being active in the Knights of Columbus.  He also made it his personal mission to collect every used aluminum pull-tab in the world.  These pull-tabs were then delivered to the Ronald McDonald house in Tucson as a fundraiser.  To date, the KofC Council from St. John Neumann parish has turned in over 3 million aluminum pull-tabs.  A few years ago, Johnie was recognized in the Columbian Magazine for his and the parish's efforts in collecting aluminum pull-tabs.

One of Johnie's favorite activities was working the Donut Trailer on Sunday mornings handing out donuts and coffee after Mass.  An affinity he no doubt learned from his mother who also loved to distribute her famous sugar donuts after Mass at St. Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Orting, WA.  This is the church where Johnie received his sacraments.  A portion of the donations received at the St. John Neumann Donut Trailer are used to help offset costs for parish youth wishing to attend diocesan camps and retreats.

It is because of his love for the youth that the Johnie and Joan Schiemer Memorial Endowment is being established at the parish.  Each year, a percentage of this Memorial Endowment will be used for youth activities at St. John Neumann Parish.  If you wish to remember Johnie and Joan, please consider a donation to this newly established Memorial Endowment in their honor.

Donations can be made to St. John Neumann, and mailed to 11545 E 40th St. Yuma, AZ  85367.  Please specify in the check memo the donation is for the Schiemer Memorial Endowment.

Johnie is survived by sons John (Julie) Bend, OR/Chandler, AZ, Jim (Karen) Las Vegas, NV.  Grandchildren Jordan (Jenna), Kristen (Cassin), Jared (Claire), Justin and JohnFrancis.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, parents John and Bertha (Schenk) Schiemer and sister Helen Waldherr, who died 3 days before Johnie at age 90.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on March 18, 2024, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.  Burial Internment will immediately follow at the St. John Neumann Columbarium.  A reception will follow in the parish hall.