Frederic Louis Scheffler

Frederic Louis Scheffler, 88, of Washington Township, a loving and devoted husband and father, slipped peacefully away to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on January 20, 2024.

The son of the late Edward F. and Alberta M. (Elwell) Scheffler, Fred was born on January 4, 1936 in Richmond, Indiana where he was raised and educated, graduating at the top of his class from Richmond Senior High School in June 1953. He received a full scholarship to Purdue University, studied chemical engineering and participated in the marching and symphonic bands. He earned a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1959. Fred also enlisted in the US Army Scientific and Professional Program and served at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama from 1958-1960. His professional career included working as a pilot plant engineer at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan and as a researcher and technical editor at the University of Dayton Research Institute and both SofTech and CDO Technologies in Fairborn, Ohio. He was fluent in German and created Dayton Technical Translators as a side business.

Upon location to Dayton, Ohio in 1961, Fred began attending Grace United Methodist Church where he met the love of his life, Dixie Lee Webb, in the fall of 1962. They were married in August 1963 and Fred devoted himself to his wife and his family, enjoying many road trips, camping trips, piano recitals, sporting events, and the simple daily joys of raising children. Fred and Dixie were active members of Christ United Methodist Church in Kettering, Ohio, then Washington Heights Baptist Church, also in Kettering. They enjoyed and maintained many fulfilling relationships with friends at both of these churches.

Fred enjoyed his retirement years, generously offering his many gifts and talents to the community, particularly to children. He volunteered at John Hole Elementary School, at Children's Medical Center, and as a docent with the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association school programs. He taught piano lessons for many years, sang in the church choir, and supported the music teams at Washington Heights Baptist Church. He traveled intentionally and frequently to visit his children and grandchildren in northern Ohio, Washington State, and Vermont.

Above all, Fred was a family man. He was an attentive son, caring in many ways, even as a young teenager, for his widowed mother and younger brother. His proudest accomplishments, no doubt, were his three children, Stephen, Julie, and Mark. He loved his children more than anything else and committed himself to their happiness. His love and devotion to his family defined who he was and who they would become. He celebrated the birth of each grandchild and poured his love into them. Not surprisingly, he is beloved by each of them.

Frederic was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Alberta Scheffler, and his brother Norman Scheffler. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dixie Lee (Webb); his three children: Stephen (Raimey), Julie Ruegsegger (Steven), and Mark (Bethany); his grandchildren: Michael Ruegsegger, Emma Sullivan (John), Abigail Smith (Jacob), Logan Scheffler, Rachel Dell (Jacob), Mandalynn Scheffler, Samuel Ruegsegger, Savannah Scheffler, Anna Ruegsegger, Jordan Scheffler, Daniel Scheffler, and Daniela Scheffler. He also leaves a dear brother- and sister-in-law, Ken and Sherrie Webb, and beloved nieces and nephew Amy Stephens (Joel), Sigrid Messana, and David Scheffler (Helen).

Visitation will be held on Saturday January 27 at 3:00pm at Washington Heights Baptist Church, 5650 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429. A memorial service will begin at 4:00pm, also at Washington Heights.

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