Deacon Donald Joseph Ash, retired deacon of St. Joachim in Piedmont, passed away on Dec. 11. He was 85. Deacon Ash was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Karen Ash; daughter, Jennifer McCord; son, Daniel Ash; and two grandchildren, Alex McCord and Erin McCord. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Fern Ash, and granddaughter, Megan McCord.