Reverend John Richard Wanamaker, 83, of Ashland died Friday morning, March 20, 2026 in his home with his family at his side.
He was born on July 30, 1942 in Milford Center, the son of the late George and Marietta (nee Gugel) Wanamaker.
John graduated from Petoskey High School, Class of 1960. He furthered his education and earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Capital University in 1964. In 1968 he completed a master’s degree in divinity from Trinity Seminary. John was ordained on June 8, 1968.
He married the former Doris Keammerer on August 16, 1965. Together they served congregations in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan; Stendal and Seymour, Indiana; and New Rochester, Millersburg, and Shiloh, Ohio, retiring from ministry in 2012.
During his ministry he officiated at 283 baptisms, 291 confirmations, 118 weddings, and 170 funerals. He enjoyed working in the area of Christian education, especially Vacation Bible School. He considered leading Spanish worship to be one of the high points of his ministry.
He enjoyed model trains and bird watching with Doris and family.
He was a devoted member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ashland.
John is survived by his loving wife Doris; four children, Joanne (Duane) Woods of Victoria, Texas, Jean Minnick of Fairlawn, Donna (Steve) Fagerhaug of Burton, and Jim (Jennifer) Wanamaker of North Tonawanda, New York; eight grandchildren, Andy (Alexis) Woods, Dan Woods, Jennifer (Emily) Woods, Sarah (Shay) Fagerhaug, Aubrey Fagerhaug, Sheena (Emanuel) Tipton, Emily Wanamaker, and David Wanamaker; one brother, Ray (Connie) Wanamaker of Columbus and one sisiter, Mary (Brent) Billidau of Harbor Springs, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents and sister Jean (Roger) Caron.
Family and friends may visit on Saturday evening, March 28, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church on Sunday. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Reverend Dr. Stephanie Woods presiding. Interment will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Shiloh, Ohio on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, 1360 Smith Road, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com