The Rev. Michael John Ascher, 69, of Shawano, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2016.
Michael was born on Nov. 20, 1946, in Shawano, the son of the late Felix J. and Rose M. (Sperberg) Ascher. Michael was united in marriage to Candace “Candy” Seignemartin on April 23, 1988, in Gillett. He taught social studies for 14 years at Sacred Heart, was the former Main Street manager in the Shawano and Two Rivers communities before entering pastoral ministry in 2001.
Michael was an active member and past president of the Shawano County Arts Council. He was also active in the church, enjoyed vegetable gardening, “rough” carpentry, and playing board games with his beloved grandchildren.
Michael is survived by his wife, Candy; four children, Eric Ascher, of Shawano, Karl Ascher, of Wild Rose, Richard Rajchel, of Appleton, and Christopher (Holly) Rajchel, of Appleton; his grandchildren, Nathon Ascher, Aubrey (Chris) Schwartz, Caresse (James) Russell, Nicholas Howard, Gabe Ascher, Joe Ascher, Christian Haataja, Christopher Rajchel and Brayden Rajchel; and three great-grandsons, Rockland, Noah and Taylin. He is further survived by his brother and sisters, Dr. Peter D. Ascher, of Bowler, Mary (David) Sund, of Minnesota, and Rita (David) Skalecki, of Green Bay.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sara Ascher; his parents; and one sister, Patricia.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2016, at Church on the Hill in Shawano with the Rev. Allen Christenson officiating. Inurnment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.