John William Dechant

The memorial service will be held in the Goshen High School gym on November 11, 2020.  The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the service will begin at 7 p.m.

John W. Dechant, 75, died Thursday, October 15, 2020, at home.

He was born September 8, 1945 in Franklin Ohio to John William and Marian (Henrickson) Dechant.

On August 21, 1993 he married Darlene (Wyse) Bontrager.

She survives along with two sons, Colin (Aleah) Dechant of Bristol and Shawn (Jessica) Dechant of Chandler, Arizona; and four grandchildren, Parker, Max, Tyce and Quinn.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Dechant played football at Ball State University and went on to earn two master’s degrees from Western Michigan University.  He was a part of Goshen High School from 1971 until 2001 as a history teacher, wrestling coach, Dean of Students and Athletic Director.  Mr. Dechant was one of the founding fathers of the JFL Program.  He continued his teaching passion as a master scuba diver with Hart City Scuba.

He was inducted into the Elkhart County Hall of Fame, Ball State Football Hall of Fame and the Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Since 2001 Mr. Dechant owned and operated Dechant Enterprises, a lawn service.

The memorial service will be held in the Goshen High School gym on November 11, 2020.  The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the service will begin at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be given to Goshen Wrestling Club or Goshen Boys and Girls Club.