John D. Smith

John D. Smith, 59, of Tiffin, joined his Heavenly Father at 6:20 pm Monday, January 29, 2024, holding his wife’s hand at Autumnwood Care Center.

John was born February 23, 1964, in Tiffin to Bernard and Caroline (Smith) Smith. On April 12, 1997, he married his soul mate Lauren Austin, and she survives in Tiffin.

Other survivors include three daughters, Amber (Jeremy) Weininger, Stephanie (Tyler Hasselbach) Smith, and Taylor (Christopher) Bickel; four grandchildren, Briella, Brecken, Tristan, and Avery; siblings, Joseph (Jean) Smith, Lori (Chris) Earnhart, Steve (Linda) Smith, Jill (Robert) Hanes, and Michelle (Rick) Bell; Brother-in-law, J. Jonathan (Cynthia) Austin; and fifteen nieces and nephews and twenty-four great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Michael Smith.

John was a 1982 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School, earned an associate degree from Terra Technical College, and enjoyed taking classes at Heidelberg University. During his working years he was a design engineer. John was diagnosed with “terminal” brain cancer in 2003 and was given 3 months to live. John opted out early of standard treatments but not before undergoing radiation therapy, because he believed a vegan diet and lifestyle change would save his life; as usual, John was right. He remained cancer free for the remaining 21 years of his life.

John was exceptionally brilliant. His bright blue eyes lit up a room almost as much as his smile did. He was kind and compassionate. He was quick witted & had a fabulous sense of humor. John wore many hats, literally and figuratively. He had a large collection of hats that he was very proud of. John was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed learning, traveling, the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends. John had a major sweet tooth. He had an amazingly positive attitude about life even when it handed him many lemons. He was the maker of lemonade!

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Wickham Great Hall at Heidelberg University at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 16th. Dr. Rev. Paul Stark officiating. Hats off to John. Please wear a hat to help us celebrate our favorite guy.

In honor of John, donations may be made to Heidelberg University, James Lee Austin Scholarship Fund, The Humane Society of Seneca County, or F.A.C.T. Seneca County.

The TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To send online condolences to the family or order out-of-town flowers, go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com.