Michael J. Schaaf

Michael (Mike) J. Schaaf, age 71, of Dakota, IL passed away on Tuesday March 25, 2025. He was born on May 17, 1953 to Vincent Sr, and Florence Schaaf in Dodgeville, WI. Mike was married to Suzanne (Arn) Schaaf forty-five years prior to her passing in 2021.

Mike worked as a backhoe operator for the city of Freeport Water and Sewer Department for 32 years before taking early retirement in March of 2010. He was a family man who loved spending time with his children and was especially fond of his two grandsons Jackson and William. When he wasn’t watching them at sporting events, he enjoyed being outdoors, driving/riding tractors, farming, hanging out with old friends, and making new ones.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherri (Brian) Beatty; son, Shawn (Katie) Schaaf; grandchildren, Jackson and William Schaaf; sister and brothers/sister and brother in-laws, Myrna Schaaf, Martha (Dennis) Hoeger, Demetrius (Michele), Elaine (LaVaughn) Eiseman, Lois Johnson, Anita Schaaf, Sam (Sandy) Schaaf, Vincent Jr. (Ellen) Schaaf, Frank (Amber) Schaaf, Loretta Schaaf, Monica (Ron) Riege, Dorothy Arn, Connie Arn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving wife, Suzanne Schaaf; Parents, Vincent Sr. and Florence Schaaf; Father and Mother in-law, John and Juanita Arn; brothers and sisters, Henry Schaaf, Karl Schaaf, Marita Schaaf, Bridget Schaaf; brother in-laws Stephan Arn and Michael Arn; three nephews; and one great nephew.

Funeral mass will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday April 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport, Father Matthew McMorrow officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until the time of mass. There will also be a visitation Tuesday April 1, 2025 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Cremation rites have been accorded following the funeral mass. A private internment will take place at Orangeville Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Cedarville Fire Department.