David M. Dreffer

David Morgan Dreffer

August 28, 1940 – March 12, 2020

David M. Dreffer, O.D., passed away on March 12, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.  He lost his battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), after a long, but courageous fight.

   He was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Morgan R. and Virginia (Shaffer) Dreffer of Montpelier, Ohio.

Graduating from Montpelier High School in 1958, Dave continued his education at The Ohio State University. The friends he made there as a Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity member continue to support him to this day. David and the former Carole Hinkle were married on December 22, 1962.  In 1963 he graduated from the School of Optometry, and in 1968 earned a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the College of Optometry. From 1963 thru 1967, Lt. and Mrs. Dreffer, made their home at the U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and then at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, Illinois.  Dr. Dreffer served as an optometrist at both bases.

   As they searched in Ohio and Michigan for a place to begin his practice of optometry, Dave and Carole selected the City of Huron in 1968 as a perfect place to live, work and play. There he devoted his time and talent to his family, his patients, and the community. He was a member of the Huron United Methodist Church. As his practice grew, he invited two optometrists, Dr. Gregory Hicks and Dr. Heather Demos to join him. Two new offices were established in Sandusky and Clyde, Ohio.

   Professionally, Dave was a board member of the Ohio Optometric Association, serving as President in 1985 when the Optometric Diagnostic Bill was passed by the State of Ohio. He served on the board of directors of Vision Service Plan (VSP) from 1986 until 2001. From 2002 until 2008 he represented the College of Optometry on The Ohio State University President’s Advisory Council and continued to serve on The Ohio State University College of Optometry Alumni Board. His goal as a member of each of these associations was to be able to provide the best care possible for his patients.  Through these experiences he observed and implemented new methods by which to diagnose and treat the vision problems and associated health issues presented by his patients.

   Dave joined the Huron Rotary Club in 1968. He and a few members came up with several fund-raising events, including the Annual Rib Burn-off and Bluegrass Festival and the “Rotater” French Fry stand.  As president of the Huron Chamber of Commerce, Dave presented the idea of a reverse raffle, known as the “Blizzard Blitz”, which became a major fund raiser for the club for several years. He was named “1976 Huron Man of the Year”, by the Huron Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the OSU Alumni Club of Erie County in 1972-73. That year the club managed to host the first visit of the Ohio State University marching band as they traveled to “that state up north” to support our football team. The band earned room and board for the night by presenting a concert.  Since then the event has become a major fund raiser supporting area students attending OSU.  Dave was a Buckeye through and through. The Buckeye Football Team held a special place in his heart, and he served the university as an athletic committeeman for many years.

   As a member of the Huron Athletic Booster Club, Dave filmed the Huron HS football games from 1969 to 1979. He and Ed Pettegrew, Sr. co-chaired the fund raiser for, and oversaw the construction of the first Huron All Weather track.

   Dave understood that recreation is an essential part of the quality of life in a community. He initiated the formation in 1997 of the Huron Joint Recreation District, a rare collaborative effort of the city, schools and township. The district continues to thrive, supporting recreational areas and activities for the entire community.

   Recognizing that Huron, because of its location, educational opportunities and dynamic citizens, would grow, Dave and his partners developed the Wexford and Eagle Crest neighborhoods, and built the Southport Professional Building. The Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District presented the “Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award” to Dave for his conservation efforts in the development of the Eagle Crest Subdivision.

    He obtained his instrument-rated private pilot’s license in 2001, bought an RV and retired in 2008. A boater, fisherman, golfer, hunter and a talented athlete, Dave was a member of the Plumbrook Country Club, Huron Yacht Club and W.R. Hunt Club.  His family and friends appreciated his kindness, generous spirit and zest for life.

   Dave is survived by his wife Carole; son, Tim (Diane) Dreffer of Davidson NC; daughter, Julie (Shamus) Spitzley of Huron; grandchildren, Madeline, Max and Mitch Dreffer, and Virginia and Quin Spitzley; nieces and nephews, Douglas (Lisa) Dreffer, Mark (Lauren)Lutz, Amy (David) Koger, Mandy (Brian) Mahalak, and brother-in-law, Stan Lutz.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Stephan D. and sister-in-law Barbara Dreffer, and sister-in-law, Sherry Lutz.

   Visitation will be Friday, June 19th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Foster Funeral Home, 410 Main Street, Huron.  Funeral service will be Saturday, June 20th at 10:30 a.m. at Mesenburg Plaza Place, , Huron, with Rev. Pamala Sayre officiating.

   Memorial Contributions may be made to the Huron United Methodist Church, 338 Williams St. Huron:

OSU Alumni Club of Erie County Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 245, Sandusky, OH  44871

Cure PSP – www.curepsp.org.; or Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870

   Online condolences may be shared at fosterfh.com.

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