Jonathon Schaffer

Jonathon Michel Schaffer, 35, of Fife Lake passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. He is the son of Gerritt Dale Schaffer and Sheila Mae (Newell) Wheeler.

Jon was born January 5, 1988 in Traverse City, Michigan. He graduated from Kingsley High School in 2006. Soon after high school, he started working for Britten Banner, where he then worked for almost 15 years, where he received the nickname Big Truck Schaffer. He previously worked for K&S Compression and was employed with Lambda Energy Resources LLC as a Lease Operator. He always worked hard at everything he did, it didn’t matter where.

Jon was known for many things but what stood out the most was his personality. He was full of life. He had one of those infectious smiles that would light up the room anywhere he went.

Jon’s dedication and love for his daughter Avery was seen by all. He had a heart of gold and loved unconditionally. Jon enjoyed the outdoors, big trucks, and fixing things. If it was broken, he was going to find a way to fix it. Jon loved two tracking and making his own path. On his days off he liked to spend his time fishing with friends and spending nights by a bonfire while blaring his music.

He will be missed dearly by all.

As Jon would say “love you, bye”.

He is survived by his daughter, Avery Schaffer of Chesterfield, VA.; his mother, Sheila Wheeler and step-father, Brian Wheeler of Kingsley; his sister, Jessica Schaffer of Buckley; his sister, Leslie (Jordan) Arlt of Kingsley; his sister, Breann Wheeler and fiancé, Gary Kern of Mesick; his step-sisters, Natasha Wheeler of Longview TX., Alisha (David) Coleman of Ruckersville, VA., and Kayla (Rudy) Sappen of Honor; his half-brother, Scott Baldwin; his grandparents, Edgar and Elizabeth Newell of Kingsley; seven nieces and nephews, and many aunts and uncles.

Jon was preceded in death by his father, Gerritt Schaffer; his uncle, Carl Schaffer; and grandmother, Lucy Schaffer.

An informal gathering will start at 11 am, Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City. A Celebration of Life will start at 1pm. A luncheon will follow at The Stoneridge Barn in Buckley.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to view photos, a slideshow and share your thoughts and more.

A GoFundMe has been set up to pay for any unforeseeable bills and to be put into a trust for his daughter Avery.

https://gofund.me/be3c9973