Our Staff

Daniel J. Schaffer

Owner, Funeral Director and Embalmer

Being born and raised in Defiance, I feel very fortunate to be able to serve the community I call home. I graduated from Defiance High School in 1985, attended Defiance College (1985-87) and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1988 with a degree in Mortuary Science. In 1992, I married Cindy (Spears) Schaffer. We have three children: Daniel II "DJ", Adam, and Hanna. 

My community involvement and memberships include: Life member St John Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd degree, Current Board of Directors member for Arthur Mutual Telephone Co.,  Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce, and Defiance Holdings Co., a Life member of Defiance Co. Fish and Game Club, Defiance Elk's Lodge 147, Defiance Eagles Aerie 372, Defiance Moose Lodge 2094,  Defiance County Drug Free Coalition, USA Hockey Certified Coach, former Defiance Little League Baseball coach and  Babe Ruth League coach, and former Defiance Girls Softball Association coach, National Funeral Directors Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and Ohio Embalmers Association. 

I also hold a limited insurance license and would be willing to assist you in pre-planning services as well as at a time of need. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me either through this website, phone me, or stop by the funeral home. 

Telephone: 1-419-784-2441

Email: 

Jeffrey R. Strayer

Funeral Director and Embalmer

I am a native of Henry County, OH, raised in the small town of Liberty Center, in a blue collar home, the oldest of three children.  I graduated from Liberty Center High School in 1980.  After attending Holy Cross Junior College and Indiana Wesleyan University, I graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science with a Bachelor of Mortuary Science Degree in 1998.  After working with a few other funeral homes I found my niche at Schaffer Funeral Home, where I am happy to be living and working in Defiance.   

My church home is at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Maumee OH, where I serve as a Chalice Bearer, serve on the Christian Education Committee, and also participate in our bi-annual rummage sale.  In my spare time I enjoy working on my house, gardening, genealogy, photography, and painting. 

My professional memberships include National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), Ohio Funeral Directors Association (OFDA), and Ohio Embalmers Association (OEA).  I also hold an Ohio Limited Insurance License, and am willing to assist anyone interested in pre-arranging funeral services.

Telephone: 1-419-784-2441

Email: 

Natasha H. Hussey

Funeral Director and Embalmer

I'm a Michigan native being born in Flint and raised in surrounding areas. I graduated from Powers Catholic High School class of 2008. I moved to Ohio in 2011 and graduated with a Bachelors in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University in 2012. I have worked at various funeral homes and moved to Defiance in 2017.

I am blessed with four children, with the youngest being born in February of 2024.

I enjoy being involved in my children's sporting activities having coached many teams through the YMCA and having previously coached my son's soccer team for the Defiance Strikers. I actively support my children through every sport and season. I enjoy running, biking, hiking, and kayaking along with boating and jet-skiing at our family cottage in Michigan. I also enjoy traveling, but most important to me, is time spent with my family.

I am a member of the Defiance Elks and have served as vice-president on Ayersville Elementary School's PTO helping organize many school events. I have enjoyed serving the public here at Schaffer Funeral Home since April of 2021.

Telephone: 1-419-784-2441

Email: 

Hanna M. Schaffer

Funeral Director and Embalmer

I was born and raised in Defiance and grew up around the funeral home. I am the youngest of three children. I graduated from Defiance High School in 2018, graduated from Trine University in 2020, and graduated at the top of my class with Summa Cum Laude honors from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS) in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mortuary Science. At CCMS, I was president of my class and earned the Dr. A.J. Nunnamaker Award, the Homer D. Leffler Award for Funeral Directing, and the President’s Award. After graduation, I completed my year long apprenticeship in Columbus and gained much knowledge and experience. I am very grateful and excited to be back in Defiance serving and helping the community I grew up in.

I am a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Defiance Elk’s Lodge 147, Black Swamp Beekeepers Association, Ohio State Beekeepers Association, Ohio Embalmers Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association. When I am not at the funeral home, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, setting up a hammock in nature, traveling, tending to my bees, hanging out at the lake, reading, playing with my dog, and growing my plant collection.

I also hold a limited insurance license and am willing to assist you in pre-planning services. If you have any questions, please feel free to call, email me, or stop by the funeral home to set up an appointment.

Telephone: 1-419-784-2441

Email: 

Curtis R. Richards

Funeral Director and Embalmer

I was born and raised in Defiance County, OH, in the township of Ayersville. The oldest of two children, I graduated from Ayersville High School in 2012. After attending Wilmington College (2012-2016), I attended and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 2018 with a degree in Mortuary Science. I married Cara (Bolley) Richards in December of 2018. Being in Defiance, I hope to be able to serve the community that I grew up in.

I am a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Defiance, where I have taken on the role as a Ruling Elder and serve on the Board of Sessions. My roles have led me to be a part of Christian Education and the Youth Group. I also participate by volunteering time for the Coats for Christmas and Tools for Schools Drives. I am a member of Auglaize Historical Society where I press cider and pop kettle corn, a member of the Defiance Eagles Aerie 372, and assist in delivering Christmas trees after the Festival of Trees. My involvement in the community has led me to running the timing system for the Ayersville High School Swim Team and the Defiance Ayersville YMCA Swim team (DAYS).

Telephone: 1-419-784-2441

Email: 

Cindy Schaffer

Administrative Assistant, Company Vice President

Daniel "DJ" Schaffer II

Administrative Assistant

Adam Schaffer

Administrative Assistant

Melissa Gustwiller

Secretary

Deb Miller

Aftercare, Life Celebrant

Sam Sauer

Attendant

Doug DeCola

Attendant

Yolanda Salinas

Attendant

Denny Ortloff

Attendant

Mark Ryan

Attendant

Doug Motter

Attendant

Bacca

Support Dog