Carl Dietrich Schaaf
September 17, 1940 - August 24, 2012
Obituary
Carl Dietrich Schaaf passed away at home on the afternoon of August 24th, lovingly surrounded by his wife and children. His spirit took off on the bright green flash of leaves blowing in a warm wind. A wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many, he will always be greatly missed. Dietrich’s career as a wildlife biologist led to worldwide research expeditions while curating collections at both the Philadelphia Zoo and Zoo Atlanta. We will see him often in the beauty of the natural world, a delicious meal and the bond we share as a family. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti Church, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 31,2012. Visitation will be on Friday from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dietrich’s name may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or National Park Foundation.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dietrich’s name may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or National Park Foundation.
Visitation will be on Friday from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at the church.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti Church, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 31,2012.
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Memories
TW
Tim and Susan White
Other •
Dear Cheri, Megan, Daniel and Dieter, our love and deepest sympathy goes out to you and your families in this hard time. We are so sad to hear about Dietrich's passing.
I know the past months have been very hard and a very trying time for all of you. It is never easy to say goodbye to our love ones. Please know that your family is here for you and loves you all deeply. Although Dietrich will be missed so much, and our lives will never be the same, may you find peace in knowing that he is now in a better place where he doesn't have to experience pain.
Dietrich was always such a warm, caring and easy person to be around and talk to. I bet Ken and Doris were there to welcome him into Heaven.
Love, Tim and Susan White
MM
Marcia MacKenzie
Other •
Dietrich was a wonderful friend and colleague. I had hoped to reunite with him in the effort to help Madison Audubon succeed. His death is a tragedy, and he will be sorely missed.
JH
Joanne Herfel
Other •
Dietrich was a wonderful caring man. He loved his family, life and the natural world. I enjoyed working with him and listening to his interesting stories about travel and encounters with wildlife.
TN
Tim Nichols
Other •
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Dr. Schaaf. He truly was a good person. As a zoo keeper and grad student, he made it possible for me to travel to South Africa and work with Dr. Fayer-Hosken studying elephants. It was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to live out a childhood dream. Dr. Schaaf was indispensable in making this trip happen. I will forever be indebted to him for this. At the zoo, he was a pleasure to work for because he was always straight forward. He didn't play the political games. He told you how he felt and didn't pull punches. He will be missed.
CR
Clare & Nigel Richardson
Other •
Dietrich taught me so much about the animal collection at Zoo Atlanta all those years ago. Nigel and I loved his warmth and sense of humor and learned to very carefully handle his gin and tonics. His appreciation for wildlife and wild places was very strong and we will miss him.
Heartfelt condolences to Cheri and his much loved family,
Clare and Nigel Richardson
TR
Tom Rowland
Other •
To the Schaaf family, I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my father last month and share your pain. Dietrich always had a dry wit and kind word for me when we were together at Zoo Atlanta. May he rest in peace.