David Lowell Schaetzke

David Lowell Schaetzke, 73, passed away June 7, 2025 unexpectedly in his home after a full, rich life. Dave was born in Toledo Ohio on, October 7, 1951 to Jim and Janet Schaetzke.

A life long member of the Toledo community, Dave attended Harvard Elementary and Bowsher High School alongside his siblings Dan, Deb, and Donald. While at Bowsher he met his high school sweetheart, Wendy Smith, and the two would later marry on March 23, 1973. They enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage. Dave and Wendy raised their family of three children, Jason, Kyle, and Elizabeth (Biz), in South Toledo. Their family expanded with 3 children in-law, Amanda Schaetzke, Ashlee Schaetzke, and John Bowler, and 8 grandchildren, Tyler, Carter, Chloe, Grace, Beau, Brooks, Charlotte and John David (JD).

Dave was known for his loving nature, kind spirit, determination and athletic prowess. The multi sport star was best recognized for his time as a quarterback on the football field. In 1969, Dave earned All State honors as he led the Bowsher Rebels Football Team to their first ever city league title. The season culminated with scoring the winning touchdown on a 99 yard march known to all as “The Drive”. After high school, Dave graduated from Morehead State University where he set several records as a four year starting quarterback. This earned him a spot in both the Toledo City League Hall of Fame and E.L. Bowsher Athletic Hall of Fame to secure his legacy as a football area legend. He then served on both committees for these organizations.

Dave returned to Toledo after his storied playing career to serve the community he loved so much. Dave pursued a life of mentoring youth and touched countless lives throughout his coaching, professional career, and religious service. Professionally, Dave was the Administrative Director of Glass City Academy, whose mission was to give youth a second chance to pursue educational goals. Dave also had a distinguished 35 year coaching career serving, the Beverly Bisons, Woodward, Clay, Bowsher and Northview Schools.

As members of CedarCreek Church, Dave and Wendy have dedicated their lives to service through Christ. They served on the board for the South Toledo Chapter of “Young Life” and The Community Care Clinic held at CedarCreek.

To celebrate Dave’s life there will be a service held at CedarCreek South Toledo Campus. Doors will open at 4:30pm. The service will start at 5pm with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

Young Life Toledo City

P.O. Box 141113 Toledo, OH 43614