Johann Schuster Jr. 1940-2025

Johann was born April 15, 1940, in Transylvania, Romania, a son of the late Johann and Anna Barth Schuster Sr. Johann spent his early years on their farm in Heidendorf before being forced to flee his country with his family by train, covered wagon and ship during World War II. He and his family traveled through Transylvania, Hungary and Austria facing illness, harsh weather and bombings before reaching America.

He arrived in Wisconsin through a church sponsorship family in 1952 at the age of 12. After two years, they arrived in the Youngstown area and became involved in the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons (Saxon Club). He graduated from South High School in 1958.

Johann proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. A skilled engineer, Johann dedicated 28 years to the former Wean Industries and later worked at Trumbull Industries, retiring in 2013.

He was a proud member of the Youngstown Saxon Club and found great joy in gardening — especially growing flowers and vegetables. Johann loved sharing his passion for plants with his daughters and grandchildren, often gifting them with spoils of his garden and much advice.

His only other hobby was his family. Above all, Johann cherished his family. He led with a strong Christian example with his relationship with Jesus Christ.

His daughters’ favorite memories are waking up early on school mornings to their dad sitting at the kitchen table quietly reading his Bible before work. His love for his wife, Trudie, was unmatched! The example of love, commitment and perseverance is something everyone in their family will cherish and have applied what they have witnessed into their own families and marriages.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 61 years, Gertrude A. “Trudie” Koontz Schuster, whom he married Feb. 15, 1964. He is also survived by his three daughters, Paula (Tom) Zets of Berlin Center, Julie (Scott) Showalter of Beloit and Maria (Brian) Householder of Newton Falls. He was a proud Opa to Emilee (Evan), Rebekah (Ryan), Jacob (Kenzie), Madison (Brett), Olivia, Austin (Autumn), Alyssa (Federico) and Abbie; and a beloved Great-Opa to Brody, Caleb, Baylor, Easton and Ada. Johann also is survived by his brother, Fred (Pam) Schuster of Negley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Anna (Mike) Korditsch and Maria Schuster.

In lieu of flowers, we want to continue Johann’s legacy of “Life” by donating to Pregnancy Help Center of Youngstown, 4845 Market St., No. 13, Youngstown, OH 44512.

Friends may call 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel, followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m.

Family and friends may view this obituary and offer condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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