Dennis Schafer

Dennis Anthony Schafer, age 62, of Fowler, MI, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Dennis was born in St. Johns, MI on January 1, 1956, the son of Norbert   and Mary (Thelen) Schafer. He graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1974. Dennis married Tamra West on October 25, 1991 at Portland United Methodist Church.  Dennis retired from Mahle (formerly Sealed Power) in 2010 after 37 years. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Fowler, MI.

Denny was a fun loving man who enjoyed practical jokes and making people laugh. He had a quick wit and his one liners could not be beat. He loved his family, muscle cars, camping and especially his motorcycles. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife Tammy Schafer of Fowler; children: Chad and Kary Schafer of Canton, MI; Stacey and Eric Simon of Portland, MI; Daric and Angela Schafer of Brighton, MI; Travis Schafer of Williamston, MI; grandchildren: Carson and Alaina Simon, and Makenna and Peyton Schafer; siblings: Marie and Dan Halsey, Bob and Sue Schafer, Kathy and Dave Berquist, Jerome and Deb Schafer, Theresa and Mike Walker; brothers and sisters in law: John and Karen West, Liz and Scott Blundy, Dan and Patty West, and father in law John West. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Mary Schafer, sister Jeanne Schafer, and mother in law Janean West.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating.  Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018 from 2:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, 11112 West Ionia Street, Fowler, MI 48835. A Rosary will be prayed at 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish in support of Wish-A-Mile/Team Emily. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.

"Roll, roll me away I'm gonna roll me away tonight, Gotta Keep rollin, gotta keep riding, keep searchin' till I find what's right, and as the sunset faded I spoke to the faintest first starlight, and I rolled, then I rolled clear out of sight." -Bob Seger