David M. Dreffer, O.D., passed away on March 12, 2020, at his home in Huron, Ohio, after losing his battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
He was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Morgan and Virginia (Shaffer) Dreffer of Montpelier.
David graduated from Montpelier High School in 1958 and continued his education at The Ohio State University. He earned an MS degree in 1953 and a Doctor of Optometry degree in 1968.
He and the former Carole Hinkle were married on Dec. 22, 1952. From 1953 until 1967 he served in the United States Navy as an optometrist in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, Illinois. ln 1968 he began his optometric practice in Huron, Ohio, retiring in 2008.
Although his profession was optometry he helped develop residence and business areas in the Huron area. He was a driving force in creating a thriving park system in the community.
During his life, Dave was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Huron Rotary Club, Huron Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio State Alumni Club, both with the University and Erie County, The Huron United Methodist Church, the Ohio Optometric Association, Huron Athletic Boosters Club, Plumbrook Country Club, the Huron Yacht Club and W.R. Hunt Club.
He is survived by his wife, Carole; son, Tim (Diane) of Davidson North Carolina; daughter, Julie (Shamus) Spitzley of Huron; grandchildren, Madeline, Max and Mitch Dreffer, and Virginia and Quin Spitzley; several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Stanley Lutz.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stephan D. and sister-in-law, Barbara Dreffer; and sister-in-law Sherry Lutz.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Foster Funeral Home, 410 Main St., Huron. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the Huron United Methodist Church, 338 Williams St., Huron.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Huron United Methodist Church, 338 Williams St., Huron, OH 44839; OSU Alumni Club of Erie County Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 245, Sandusky, OH 44879; Cure PSP — www.curepsp.org; or Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Online condolences may be shared at fosterfh.com.