Richard Dale Shafer

GREENLAND, Mich. - Richard Dale Shafer, 75, of Greenland passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Dick was born in Greenland to Joseph and Lillian Shafer on Aug. 6, 1939.

He attended the Mass/Greenland High School and graduated in 1957. After graduation, he served four years in the United States Navy and often remarked he saw the world through a porthole. By trade, he was a boilermaker and was a member of the International Boilermakers Union since 1975.

Dick formerly managed the Ontonagon Bowling Alley with his mother during the 1960's and was also an avid bowler. Dick loved to tinker on just about anything that had an engine. He was also the go-to person in the community if you had air conditioning or refrigeration problems.

He was a snowmobile enthusiast and actively raced and won various local events during the early years of snowmobiling. Dick was a social person and had the gift to hold "quiet" conversations.

Dick is survived by brothers, Raymond Shafer and Jeff Fredrikson; nephews, Brian, Ken, Mark and Kevin; nieces, Sheri and Lori; and great-nephews, great-nieces and a great-great-nephew.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ken; and sister, Karen.

A Remembrance Gathering for Dick will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, from 4-5 p.m. at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may view Dick's obituary and leave messages of remembrance at canefuneralhome.com