Dennis 'Dody' Schaefer

Dennis "Dody" Schaefer

Dennis "Dody" Schaefer of Gladstone formerly lived in Sault Ste. Marie, where he worked on the Poe Lock at the Soo Locks for seven years. In 1968, he brought his family to the Escanaba area to work on the construction of Mead Paper Company. Mr. Schaefer was employed by Laborers Construction Local 1329 for most of his working life, as a business agent. Mr. Schaefer was 65 when he died peacefully at his home September 16, 2007, surrounded by his family.

He was born September 29, 1941, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Philip Doty and Edna (nee Therrian) Schaefer. He attended the Ursuline Academy and LaSalle High School in St. Ignace.

He married Diann Little of Pickford July 10, 1961.

Mr. Schaefer was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock, the Laborers¿ Union Local 1329, Past President from 1981 to 1985 of the Wells Lions Club, co-founder of the Trades and Labor Food Bank from 1981 to 1990, served four years on the Michigan State Social Services Board, and was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

His last four years of employment were as business manager before he retired July 1999. Mr. Schaefer loved his job, friends said, and received great pleasure from being able to help people.

He and his wife spent their winters in Lady Lake, Florida. Mr. Schaefer loved playing cards, traveling, golfing with his wife and friends, and visiting casinos.

Mr. Schaefer is survived by his wife, Diann; four daughters and their families, Jodi and Andrew Kippe, of Parkland, Florida, Dana and Fernando Gomez of Holland, Holly and David Cvengros of Traverse City, and Michele and Craig Steflof Appleton, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Alexander Kippe, Lauren and Olivia Cvengros, and Kyle and Cole Stefl; a sister, Anita Marshall of St. Ignace, and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Mr. Schaefer will receive friends Wednesday, September 19, at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock Thursday, September 20, at 12:30 p.m.

The Reverend Father Jose Maramattan will officiate. A luncheon will follow at Holy Family Catholic Church.

The family requests all memorial donations be given to the family, so they can distribute donations to the charities of their choice.