Firelands Obituaries

Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com

View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes

Richard L. "Dick" Shafer

Richard L. "Dick" Shafer, 81, residing in Norwalk, formerly of Sandusky, passed away early Friday morning, January 1, 2016 at Gaymont Nursing Home after a lengthy illness.

Dick was born on September 23, 1934 in Sandusky, OH to the late Clarence S. and Nellie L. (Keaton) Shafer.

Dick was a 1955 graduate of Sandusky High School and then earned his professional certification from the New York Institute of Photography. He was a Veteran of the Army who proudly served his country from 1957 to 1959 as a photographer in Alaska. Photography was his passion and he was the owner and operator of Shafer Studio in Milan for over 30 years. During this time Dick enjoyed taking school pictures for Edison schools and assisting customers in his art gallery. A lifelong entrepreneur, he was also the owner of Phantom Motor Car Company in Sandusky and the Ice Cream Emporium in Milan. Dick was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Milan, and a past member of Car Coddlers of Ohio, Professional Photographers of Ohio, Sandusky American Legion, and was a past President of the Milan Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, he enjoyed being an antique car collector and dealer, traveling, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Erney) Shafer, whom he married on June 22, 1957; one daughter, LeeAnn (Todd) Rasey of Norwalk, OH; two sons, Richard W. (Amy) Shafer of Milan and Eric Shafer of NV; four grandchildren, Danielle and Erin Rasey, and Nathaniel and Nicholas Shafer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, Dick is preceded in death by his infant grandson, Samuel Shafer in 1998, and his brothers, William (Audrey) Shafer in 1991 and Paul Shafer in 1945.

Friends may call on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1 S Main St. Milan, OH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 10:30 am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 130 S. Main St., Milan with Rev. Anthony Recker presiding. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Milan, OH.

Those wishing to contribute to Dick's memory may do so to St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 130 S. Main St. Milan, OH 44846, Alzheimer's Association, 2500 N Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43615, or to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Condolences may be shared on line at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.