Dennis “Dody” Schaefer, age 65, of 216 Kenneally Blvd., Gladstone, MI died peacefully at home on September 16, 2007 surrounded by his loving family.
 
Dody was born on September 29, 1941 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI the son of Philip “Doty” and Edna (Therrian) Schaefer. He attended the Convent and LaSalle High School in St. Ignace, MI.
 
On July 10, 1961 he married Diann Little “the love of his life”, from Pickford, MI. They moved to Sault Ste. Marie while he worked on the Poe Lock of 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.
 
Dody was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock, the Laborers’ Union Local 1329, Past President (1981-85) of the Wells Lions Club, Co-founder of the Trades and Labor Food Bank (1981-90), served four years on the Michigan State Social Service Board and was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
 
Dody was employed by Laborers’ Construction Local 1329 for most of his working life as a Business Agent. His last four years were as Business Manager; retiring in July of 1999. He and his wife, Diann spend their winters in Lady Lake, FL. Dody loved his job and got great pleasure in being able to help people. Since his retirement, he realized it is all about family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow, loved playing cards, traveling, golfing with his wife and friends and visiting the casinos’.

He is survived by his wife, Diann.

Four daughters: Jodi (Andrew) Kippe, of Parkland, FL; Dana (Fernando) Gomez of Holland, MI; Holly (David) Cvengros of Traverse City, MI; Michele (Craig) Stefl of Appleton, WI.

Five Grandchildren: Alexander Kippe; Lauren and Olivia Cvengros; Kyle and Cole Stefl.

Sister: Anita Marshall of St. Ignace, MI and many nieces and nephews.
 
The family of Dody Schaefer will receive friends on Wednesday, September 19th at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial celebrating Dody’s life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock on Thursday, September 20th at 12:30 PM with Rev. Father Jose Maramattan officiating. Luncheon will follow at Holy family Catholic Church.  The family respectfully requests all memorial donations be directed to the family so that they may graciously distribute to the charities of their choice.