Carl F. Scheffler

Carl F Scheffler 2/17/1934 - 2/8/2024. This is how he lived his DASH* Lovingly known as Carl, Buzz, Lefty, brother, husband, teacher, Mr. Scheffler, coach, dad, grandpa, and friend. His life began in Ypsilanti, Michigan as the only son of Carl J. and Alice Scheffler and the middle child of three (Mary (Norm) Massey, Tucson, AZ and Peggy Ridgway, Oscoda, MI). He attended Hillsdale College where he played baseball, ran track and earned his bachelor's degree. While at Hillsdale he met his future wife, Patricia Hodgson, who convinced him to change his major from forestry to biology and become a teacher. He married his sweetheart, Patsy, in January of 1956. Following graduation, he began his teaching career in Roscommon, Michigan, where he taught science and coached JV football, and basketball as well as little league baseball. A son (C Timothy) was born in March of 1957, and a daughter (Kelly Ann) followed in March of 1958. From Roscommon he moved the family to Plymouth, Michigan to teach science at Plymouth High School. While there, he obtained his master's degree in earth science from nearby Eastern Michigan University. In 1966 at the suggestion of Roscommon colleague Jack Hood, then head of math and science at the Interlochen Arts Academy, he was offered a teaching position at the IAA and moved the family “home”. While at Interlochen he met colleagues and their families who remain woven into the family tapestry. With hobbies that included canoeing, sailing, cross-country skiing, hiking, camping and most things to do with the outdoors, the family thrived in the north woods. In 1971 he attended the Outward Bound School in Colorado and with that experience he began incorporating outdoor education into his teaching. At the IAA he taught Geology, Astronomy, Physical Education, and Kinesiology and with other science faculty, led groups of IAA students on camping trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Grand Canyon, Beaver Island and Superstition Mountains. In 1973 he joined a handful of former IAA faculty members at Ravenscroft, a private school in Raleigh, NC, where he taught science, outdoor education and coached. From Raleigh, he led a group of Ravenscroft students to Interlochen to experience winter canoeing and camping. In 1975 he was invited back to the IAA to serve as Assistant Director of the Arts Academy. After retiring from educational administration, he was easily coaxed back to teaching by former Interlochen and Raleigh colleague, Mike Collins, to teach in San Antonio, TX. In 1986 Carl and Pat purchased property in Interlochen and returned every summer preparing their retirement home while teaching in Texas. As a teacher he earned the respect of many former students and fellow faculty with his mild manner, fairness, passion and command of his subject matter. In 1996 they retired to their beloved northern Michigan lake shore to be near family and friends. Notable lifelong friendships include Dick Parks and Dick Fulkerson; a trio with countless adventures. He was preceded in death by Pat who passed 12/2/2022. Carl will be lovingly remembered by his children C. Timothy, and Kelly Ratz (Mike), his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as former students, fellow teachers and friends. A celebration of Life will be held at Reynolds Jonkoff Funeral Home February 24, 2024, from 3-5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cherryland Humane Society are appreciated. *2/17/1934 dash 2/8/2024

Carl F. Scheffler

February 17, 1934 - February 8, 2024