Frank Schaefer

March 5th, 1968 - August 18th, 2012

Frank's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Frank here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Ann Marie and family, words can't begin to express the loss we are feeling at BEC. I first saw the passion Frank had for working with our students when he subbed for Lori with our youngest students. That passion continued when he moved into the high school rooms. I believe he truly found his calling in life. Frank radiated positivity and was such an incredible role model.
He always remembered each of his student's birthdays. I know you, Ann Marie, would take the time to bake your fabulous cupcakes so that Frank could make the day special for his students.
I am so glad we were able to share such a great night together at Sue & Wes's wedding last Friday. I will always remember Frank's beaming smile as we all danced the night away together. He was so happy to be finished with his classes and ready to enjoy the last two weeks of summer vacation.
We are going to miss Frank so much. He was a very very special person. Ann Marie, please know we will always consider you part of our BEC family as well.
With deepest sympathy,
Deb Jokela.

Deb Jokela

Ann Marie and family: Words can't say enough how much shock, pain, and suffering you are experiencing. So many people are praying and thinking of you all during this tragic time. Ann Marie, you are a very strong person who is able to think of things in a different way, I hope there comes a time you are able to do that with this situation. You will never doubt yourself,you were an amazing wife to Frankie, and you know he thought the same! As you once recently said, "yesterday was a great day, everyday was a great day", speaking of the day you and Frankie had prior to the accident and everyday before that. You two were a couple that had so much fun and shared so much love....this is something you will look back on and know all the time you two were together will never be forgotten. Remember there are a lot of us out here who love you very much and will be here for you.

Kelley Gorham

Frank:

I cannot begin to imagine the pain that you and your family is feeling right now. I pray that God brings you and your family peace, strength and safety for your return to Tampa.

Psalm 23 came to mind this morning during my morning prayer for you and your family.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Dave Bear

Ann Marie,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Frank will be missed dearly by both staff and students at the BEC, as I'm sure you know. You both gave so much of your time and effort towards bettering the lives of the kids there, and it showed in the way the students responded. Thank you for sharing Frank with all of us. His energy and honest enthusiasm for education was endless. As you know, he was always there early, always stayed late and never gave up on a kid. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Amanda Baham

I met Frankie when he was nine years old and watched him grow into an amazing adult. Frankie was always special; if he wanted to achieve a goal he was virtually unstoppable.
When he was eleven the neighborhood kids all decided they were going to pick blueberries for money at one of the local blueberry farms. We hauled all of them by station wagon to their first day of work. When we picked them up several hours later everyone was complaining about how tired they were and how unfair the work was ----- everyone but Frankie that is --- he had picked more than all the other kids combined and was the only one that had made money, the rest of the crew dropped out one by one but Frankie hung in there and made money.
Then there was the summer my son and Frankie decided that they loved fried frog legs, all summer they were either in the kitchen frying frog legs or out spearing them ---- the population of frogs in Ottawa County dropped dramatically that year.
Frankie’s dad and I were in a tennis league together for many years, so Frankie decided that he was going to learn to play tennis. In less than a month of playing he beat me so soundly that I considered throwing away my racquet.
Frankie persevered and overcame obstacles that cause the majority of people to simply give up. Anyone who has ever been a Boy Scout knows how difficult and seemingly impossible it is to become an Eagle Scout. Less than 3% of scouts ever achieve this status, but Frankie was a member of this elite group of winners.
Frankie’s legacy is a life lived with compassion for others, a deep love for his wife, Ann Marie, his mom and dad and his sister Lisa.
Jackie & Dwight Hoover

Dwight & Jackie Hoover

I cannot tell you how stressed I was to find out One of my fav teachers passed away age 40 Ill miss you Mr shaefer you were a great man. Even if you werent my teacher I could see it was you you were a real person. Really, thanks for being my friend and teacher and getting me through the day. I just wish it wasn't so soon, you were so young and spirited. You were the most laid back spirited fun 40 year old Teacher Ive met in my life and we all know how hard that is to find. You were a great man and the best man I have ever met. Your Friend,and Student David VanLuke

David Vanluke

In the short time Frank was with us, he had a temendous impact on students and staff. He was already a great teacher without the title. He had the biggest heart, incredible kindness and regard for everyone. He was truly a "gentle" man; a guardian angel sent to look over our students and remind us of what they need the most, love and caring.

There will never be anyone who can replace Frank. We were truly blessed that he found us. He had become a part of us as we had become a part of him. We cannot begin to put into words how much he will be missed by all of us at the BEC.

We all love you Frank. Take care of Faith and all of the other troubled and lost children you are joining.

I know you will.

Frank Schaefer

Frank's Memory Wall

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