David "Dave" John Schaefer

David "Dave" John Schaefer, 70, of Rolling Prairie, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Northwest Health - La Porte surrounded by his loving family.

David was born in Michigan City, IN, on July 5, 1951 to Alfred "Al" and Barbara (Watson) Schaefer.

On August 29, 1976 in Rolling Prairie, IN, he married Bette Watnick Diedrich who survives.  Also surviving are his daughter, Roseann Woolverton of Rolling Prairie; daughter of the heart, Tammie Buell of DeMotte; grandchildren, CJ Woolverton of  South Bend, and Riley and Aly Buell; sister-in-law, Deb (Mike) Harris of Rolling Prairie; brother-in-law, Joe (Jackie) Watnick of La Porte; several nieces and nephews; many special and loved friends; and his cat, Mittens.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Joe and Marian Watnick.

Dave was involved in Cub and Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout on June 6, 1966.  For several summers, he worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Camp ToPeNeBee.  He graduated from Elston High School in 1969.  Dave owned The Bread Box bakery in Michigan City.  For 21 years, he and his wife owned CraftWorks, a craft supplies, rubber stamps, scrap booking and stencils business.  Together they set up and worked numerous festivals, shows, and the Shipshewana Market Place from May through October for 21 years selling their products before closing in 2007.  Dave worked as the Stereo Department Manager at Tri State Electric and was a Maintenance Supervisor at Rumely Apartments.  He was a member of Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church and the Rolling High AA Group.  Dave found volunteering at the RPUMC Community Food Pantry very fulfilling and enjoyed talking with the other volunteers and clients.

In his younger years, Dave enjoyed outdoor activities especially camping, canoeing, and river rafting.  He went on many trips with his friends.  Dave passed his love of these things onto his daughter, Roseann.  He enjoyed numerous activities including:  mushroom hunting, working in the yard, a roaring brush pile fire, a good heart-pumping game of Ping Pong with brother-in-law, Joey, a cup of coffee with brother-in-law, Mike and anyone else who  might stop by unexpectedly, playing Geezer Poker with his card buddies, a good game of Sorry, ice cream and Coca Cola.  Most of all, he enjoyed his time with family and the special time he and his grandson, CJ, spent fishing, target practicing with either bow 'n' arrows or guns, and playing chess.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 12 pm (CT) on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick officiating.  Burial will take place at Rolling Prairie Cemetery on a later date.

A time of visitation will be held from 10 am (CT) until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Memorial Fund or Food Pantry of Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, PO Box 187, Rolling Prairie, IN  46371.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.