John "Jack" Alfred Ascheman was born March 17, 1927 on a farm in Hoff Township, Pope County, the son of Alfred W. and Vina (Newell) Ascheman. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith, and was a member of St. Malachy Church. He attended country school for a couple of years before moving to Canastota, New York. Jack served his country in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954. On October 27, 1951, Jack was united in marriage to Norma Jane Matthies, in Vallejo, California by Father Hubert Palmer. The couple was blessed with five children and 45 years of marriage. They lived in Vallejo and Chulavista, California. After returning to Minnesota, they farmed near Forada for several years, and then moved back to Clontarf where they farmed and milked dairy cattle. In 1985 after retiring from farming, they moved to Benson. Jack also worked for several manufacturing companies and was a caretaker of several apartment buildings in Benson. He was a member of the VFW, and enjoyed working word search and jigsaw puzzles, reading westerns, woodworking, and helping others. Jack was called from this life on Friday, April 08, 2011 at Bethesda Pleasantview in Willmar. He attained the age of 84 years, and 21 days. Jack is survived by his children: Anita Smith of Litchfield, Daryl (Gwen) Ascheman of Benson, Mary (Steve) Howard of Benson, and Jean (Mark) Staton of Clontarf; eight grandchildren: David (Angie) Smith, Justin (Megan) Smith, Brian Smith, Jereme Ascheman (fiancé Jessica Herman), Kari (Darren) Beyer, Heather Staton (fiancé Brian Lehr), Jacob Staton (special friend Krista Nesvold), and Jason Howard (special friend Kaylee Holtz), seven great grandchildren; siblings: James (Carol) Ascheman of Clontarf, Donald (Bess) Ascheman of Davenport, FL; Michael "Mick" (Gladys) Ascheman of Lonsdale, Alfred (Jan) Ascheman of New Richmond, WI; Geneva Cameron of Benson, Donna (Vernon) Chevalier of Benson, Shirley Schumacher of Amery, WI; and Patricia Staton of Dodge Center; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Norma in 1997; his parents; a daughter Marie Ascheman; and a brother, Brother Linus Ascheman (O.S.B).
