John Scott Aschermann, 67, passed quietly to the Spirit World on August 1, 2021.He was born in Pueblo, Colorado, the son of Robert and Arla (Scott) Aschermann.He leaves behind his wife, Janet Arpe Aschermann, three sons, three grandchildren and two older brothers.
As a child John was very active and had the directive to be home by 5:30 for supper.Many friends within the three-block area on the Lower East Side were his comrades.Unknown to all, at age five or six he came in one day and told his mother that he was no longer “John.”Instead, he acquired his own name “Blue Berry.”No one knows how or why he decided on that name that was still occasionally used by his two older brothers.
John was no stranger to working hard.At a young age he became a route carrier for the local newspaper; two times a day, 365 days of the year. He worked for Lindsay Soft Water and delivered 100-pound bags of water softening rock salt to customers.He was also a lifeguard at the local community Pueblo pool. These jobs helped John learn the importance of working hard and the value of a dollar. He developed his human relations skills and discovered his ability to relate with people.All traits that he exhibited for his entire career and life.
After graduating from East High School (Pueblo) in 1972, John continued his education at Colorado State University (CSU) with a major in Information Systems. It was during his time in Fort Collins Colorado that he met Janet. They met through mutual friends and as they use to tell it, “It wasn’t love at first site, but not far from it”. The two of them graduated in December of 1977 and were married on January 28, 1978.
Upon graduation from CSU, John and Janet moved south towards Arvada, CO. John joined Ball Corporation in 1980 where he built a well-respected 30-year career. While at Ball he worked for various groups.John truly enjoyed his involvement and work with seventeen beverages can plants which included numerous plant visits and connection with the different employees at each plant.
Though John knew how to work hard he also knew how to play hard.He loved a good family vacation. John’s Lake Powell memories included knot tying, mopping, hitting golf balls, drinks of the day, and cooler surfing. Memories with John include vacations to Hawaii, Florida, California, Oregon, Arizona, Canada, the East Coast, Georgia and the Mid-West .After Janet retired in May of 2019, she and John were able to fit in four trips together before COVID.Though, the plan was always to continue the traveling the memories shared are invaluable.
An opportunity presented itself in 2010, early retirement which he took.Contrary to many early retirement people who sit around, reminisce and drink coffee, John embarked on several new passions:a man of many talents and interests.
Retirement gave him an opportunity to rekindle his interest in motorcycles, golf, furniture construction, and community service.Giving to the community was one of John’s passions. For over thirty years he served the Arvada community. Shortly after retirement John signed up to volunteer at the local food bank, Community Table.John rarely missed a Wednesday over the ten years he volunteered at the food bank. In 2014 he became involved in the National Western Stock Show.Where he spent over 2000 hours as a volunteer. John had the ability to relate with anyone from the rancher to corporate managers. One of his colleagues at the National Western Stock Show said that “he would volunteer to do anything from helping out with complicated volunteer scheduling software to cleaning stalls.If it needed to be done, John was here to help no matter what the job was.”
Hockey became an interest of the Aschermann family in 1989. All three of John’s sons played for the Arvada Hockey Association with John being a coach for fifteen years and a board member for multiple years.In 2015 his grandsons got on the ice and their Papa took out his whistle and coached their teams as well. As is attested to by John’s associates with hockey, he played a major part in the success of the association and helping an immeasurable number of children and parents learn hockey.
John’s granddaughter didn’t express the same level of interest in hockey as her brothers.So, naturally a new interest for John grew.Together, they learned all about horses.He would take her riding at least two days a week. He became a familiar face at the stables and would always carry treats for the horses.
Every Sunday John’s house is filled with those he loved. There is good food and laughing. The table is always set for the family, but seating is often rearranged for those looking for some company. In addition to the human chaos there are dogs.The most beloved one being Juneau, John’s constant companion who his family often jokes he loved more than the rest of them. The tradition of Sunday Family Fun will continue, and John will always be part of it.
John leaves his wife, Janet of 43 years, plus sons Scott (Jane), Matthew and Garrett.Three grandchildren will miss their Papa:Milo, Liesel and Maddox.Two older brothers remain:Jerry of Northern Kentucky and David of Ft. Collins.
John Scott Aschermann--- a young and compassionate man who left us too early.He will be greatly missed.
