David Schaaf Obituary

David Allen Schaaf

May 7, 1942 - February 6, 2025

Tulsa, Oklahoma - David Allen Schaaf was born to Glen and Norma in New Haven, IN on May 7, 1942. He was soon joined by his brother, Eric and their younger sister, Jean. Dave attended 3 semesters at Concordia Teachers College before he enlisted in the Army and served for 3 years. He returned to school where he met his future wife, Lynn Wegener, and they were married on July 13, 1968 after graduating in May.

They moved to Ogallala, NE to begin their teaching professions and in 1971, their first daughter, Jen, was born. Later that year they moved to St. Louis for Dave to pursue his master's degree in religion from Concordia Seminary. After a year in St. Louis they moved to Nashville, IL, where Dave taught and their second daughter, Kate, was born in 1973. Dave graduated from Christ Seminary - Seminex in 1976 with a Master of Arts in Religion. The family moved to Belleville, IL in 1977 where Dave chose to drive for UPS professionally while being active in their church.

Lynn was diagnosed with ALS and sadly passed in 2005. A few years later, Dave moved to Oklahoma to help Jen with caring for their children, Erin, Matthew and Ellie as her husband, Gary, went to medical school. He also visited Kate, her husband, Hector, and their children, Josiah and Caleb as often as he could.

Dave was a strong leader and advocate for his family and community. He loved sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He loved peanut butter cookies, being outside, gardening and reading. Dave suffered from Parkinson's for many years and died on February 6, 2025 in Tulsa, OK. His memorial service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Belleville on March 1, 2025. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11. In lieu of flowers, Dave asked that donations be given to Bread for the World or ELCA World Hunger.