David ('Dave') Leo Schuettner, age 87, a respected CPA and truly treasured father, passed away on December 17, 2025 in Venice, Florida. He was held tightly by his devoted children: daughter Sherry (Tom Clark) Thompson, daughter Sandi (Roy) Sinnamond, son David (Erin O'Brien) Schuettner and son Christian (Danielle) Schuettner.
Dave led a fulfilling life from the historic city of Aurora, Illinois to Ginger Creek Farm in Big Rock, to rustic woods living at Springerle in Massachusetts and finally on the Gulf coast in Florida. As he studied to be a CPA, he also successfully owned & operated the brightly pink Barefoot Charlie's pizzeria. He graduated debt-free and passed down the pizza recipes to his children. From there, Dave embarked on his public accounting career, becoming a partner at MG Sherman Co helping businesses through bankruptcy. He maintained that entrepreneurial spirit and has founded or partnered in multiple industries; we can all vividly recall planting hundreds of seedlings on his Christmas tree farm at Grandpa Rowe's.
When it wasn't tax season, Dave could be found digging out the cellar with a Knickerbocker, chopping wood for winter or diving off the canoe on the pond. As an avid golfer, he has hit courses all across the nation. He was always present for birthdays, family reunions and summer vacations visiting his cherished mother, Essie Marie Davis Schuettner Brewer. Once Dave retired to Florida, he found he had time to expand his model railroader neighborhoods, invest in properties with his good friend, Mark C Smith, experiment with tomatoes, peppers and tropical fruit trees with his new friend, Dr 'Doc' Lajos Lamperth and devote time to volunteering at the South Country Food Pantry in Venice.
Most importantly, he spent hours upon hours with his finally-found soulmate, Phyllis Cox; gardening, puzzles, road trips, noses in a good book, cruises, time with families, eating her homemade meals and pies, laughing and behaving like teenagers.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Essie Schuettner, his brother James and his spouse of 62 years, Jane Rowe Schuettner.
In his memorable, beautiful baritone radio voice he would read ''Twas the Night Before Christmas' every year to his wide-eyed and excited children. And then grandchildren and then great-grandchildren: eldest Jasmine Schuettner (Daniel) Lucansky and their four girls- Chloe Anne Schuettner, Brianna Emily, Alexandria Marie and Veronica Jane; Allyssa Schuettner (Vinnie) Mitrano, MS, BCBA, LABA and their daughter Neva, Lee Jonathan Thompson, Heather Schuettner, DVM and Shawnna Kathleen Thompson (Alex) Navarro and their daughter, Capucine plus Ronnie, Gillian, Kirk, Taylor, Alyvia and Teddy. In addition, his extended Rowe family will greatly miss Dave's imperturbable nature- from siblings in-law to his many nieces and nephews.
Dave was a genuine provider, and his family never had to worry about the next meal. In lieu of flowers, they ask that you make a donation to your local food pantry then have some triscuits, pepperoni and swiss cheese in a final toast to Dave.
1. Dave's 87th birthday
2. Dave and his abiding Miata
3. Dave at sunset, Venice Beach, FL
Dave led a fulfilling life from the historic city of Aurora, Illinois to Ginger Creek Farm in Big Rock, to rustic woods living at Springerle in Massachusetts and finally on the Gulf coast in Florida. As he studied to be a CPA, he also successfully owned & operated the brightly pink Barefoot Charlie's pizzeria. He graduated debt-free and passed down the pizza recipes to his children. From there, Dave embarked on his public accounting career, becoming a partner at MG Sherman Co helping businesses through bankruptcy. He maintained that entrepreneurial spirit and has founded or partnered in multiple industries; we can all vividly recall planting hundreds of seedlings on his Christmas tree farm at Grandpa Rowe's.
When it wasn't tax season, Dave could be found digging out the cellar with a Knickerbocker, chopping wood for winter or diving off the canoe on the pond. As an avid golfer, he has hit courses all across the nation. He was always present for birthdays, family reunions and summer vacations visiting his cherished mother, Essie Marie Davis Schuettner Brewer. Once Dave retired to Florida, he found he had time to expand his model railroader neighborhoods, invest in properties with his good friend, Mark C Smith, experiment with tomatoes, peppers and tropical fruit trees with his new friend, Dr 'Doc' Lajos Lamperth and devote time to volunteering at the South Country Food Pantry in Venice.
Most importantly, he spent hours upon hours with his finally-found soulmate, Phyllis Cox; gardening, puzzles, road trips, noses in a good book, cruises, time with families, eating her homemade meals and pies, laughing and behaving like teenagers.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Essie Schuettner, his brother James and his spouse of 62 years, Jane Rowe Schuettner.
In his memorable, beautiful baritone radio voice he would read ''Twas the Night Before Christmas' every year to his wide-eyed and excited children. And then grandchildren and then great-grandchildren: eldest Jasmine Schuettner (Daniel) Lucansky and their four girls- Chloe Anne Schuettner, Brianna Emily, Alexandria Marie and Veronica Jane; Allyssa Schuettner (Vinnie) Mitrano, MS, BCBA, LABA and their daughter Neva, Lee Jonathan Thompson, Heather Schuettner, DVM and Shawnna Kathleen Thompson (Alex) Navarro and their daughter, Capucine plus Ronnie, Gillian, Kirk, Taylor, Alyvia and Teddy. In addition, his extended Rowe family will greatly miss Dave's imperturbable nature- from siblings in-law to his many nieces and nephews.
Dave was a genuine provider, and his family never had to worry about the next meal. In lieu of flowers, they ask that you make a donation to your local food pantry then have some triscuits, pepperoni and swiss cheese in a final toast to Dave.
1. Dave's 87th birthday
2. Dave and his abiding Miata
3. Dave at sunset, Venice Beach, FL
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David L Schuettner, please visit our flower store.
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