Dale Fred Schaadt

Dale Fred Schaadt, 95, of Van Wert, passed away Thursday morning, August 14, 2025, at Homestead at Towne Center in Van Wert.

He was born February 7, 1930, in Pleasant Township to Walter and Emma (Kiehl) Schaadt, the seventh of eight siblings. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Ervin, Romy and Norman, and four sisters, Lola Woods, Virginia LeValley, Pauline McGarvey and Fern Miller.

Dale received his education at Van Wert City Schools. He served his county in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952. On September 6, 1952, he married his sweetheart, Ruth (Beatty) Schaadt. Together they raised three sons, Douglas (Sharon) Schaadt, Dennis (Randi) Schaadt and Bradley (Raquell) Schaadt all of the Van Wert area.

Other survivors include five grandchildren, Caleb (Mindy) Schaadt, Ezekiel (Patricia) Schaadt, Nicki (Wesley) Baer, Kasey (Bryce) Mills and Dustin (Jamie) Schaadt, and 15 great-grandchildren, Karissa Hilty, Karsten Hilty, Cyson Schaadt, Case Schaadt, Carver Schaadt, Cade Schaadt, Eritrea Schaadt, Ezra Schaadt, Sophie Baer, Knox Mills, Kiptyn Mills, Piper Mills, Gracie Schaadt, Andrie Schaadt and Lane Schaadt.

Dale worked at Continental Can (Grief Bros) in Van Wert for over 46 years, retiring in 1992. After retiring, he spent time working with his tractors. He could be found in the garage in the winter, wood stove running toasty warm, working on a project. Dale was a spiritual leader for his family and in his church. He taught Sunday School at Calvary E.U.B. and was a trustee later at First Baptist Church. Dale’s spiritual influence is reflected through his sons and their families.

We are proud and humbled to have had such a father.

Funeral services for Dale will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, at First Baptist Church in Van Wert with officiating minister John Rager. Interment will follow at Harrison-Baptist Cemetery. There will be visitation from 2-7 p.m. Monday August 25, also at the church and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Preferred memorials: First Baptist Church or the Samaritan’s Purse.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.