Benjamin Schaaf

Benjamin “Ben” John Schaaf, 25, of New Paris, IN (formally of St. Joseph, MI) passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.  A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 10:30 AM at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave, St. Joseph, with Pastor Christopher Spitters officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, June 4, 2017, from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, or prior to the service at First Church of God from 9:30 AM until the service time. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of “Benjamin Schaaf Memorial.” Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.  Benjamin was born on May 22, 1992 in St. Joseph to Demetrius & Michele (Williams) Schaaf. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 2011, where he enjoyed wrestling, football and participating in school debates. On December 19, 2015, he married Jacklynn Andrews in Bourbon, IN. Benjamin liked to work on projects with his hands.  He had recently remodeled his home with the help of his Dad.  Benjamin began his working career at Papa Vino’s. He then went to Lane Automotive, followed by Heckaman Homes in Indiana, and was currently employed at Ancon Construction. Benjamin was also a proud Volunteer Fireman for the New Paris Fire Department. He enjoyed reading about military history and religion, loved anything old or historical, target shooting, watching the Packers and the Badgers, and being outdoors.  He had a deep passion for our Country.  However, most of all Benjamin loved his family, especially his children. Benjamin was an incredible people person with a caring heart who will be missed dearly by all.  He was always an old soul in a young body.  Benjamin is survived by his parents, Demetrius & Michele; wife, Jacklynn; children, Christopher Schaaf, Bently Smythe, Lillian Smythe, & Evalynn Schaaf; siblings, Chelsea (Fiancé, Michael Essmyer) Knuth and Adam (Brianna Schmitz) Schaaf; grandparents, Edith Williams, Donald (Sharon Phillips) Williams; Mother- and Father-in-law Annette and Jason Filbert.; nieces, Emma & Ava Knuth and Emily & Courtney Essmyer; family friend, James Knuth; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Benjamin was preceded in death by his son, William Grant Schaaf, and his grandparents, Florence and Vincent Schaaf.  Joshua 1:9