Gordon N. Schafer, DDS, age 84, passed away February 4th, 2020, after a short illness. Gordon graduated from Muskegon High School in 1953 and from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1960. He served in the United States Army for three years, stationed in Fort Ord, CA. In 1963 he moved to Holt, MI, where he practiced dentistry until 2002. He continued to practice dentistry with Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic until 2012. Gordon participated in the Holt Kiwanis Club and served on the Delhi Township Zoning Board and Holt Public Schools Board of Education. He was a member of University Lutheran Church. Gordon's interests included traveling and studying American and WW II history. He was an avid bridge player and a sports enthusiast. However, his greatest passion was his involvement with the Mid-Michigan Track Club. He began participating in the MMTC in 1968 and continued working with the group through 2019. During this time, Gordon completed 33 marathons, including the Boston Marathon 4 times, and was the overall winner of the 1970 Grand Valley Marathon. He also participated in Master's Championship (age 40+) races in the US and abroad. Although his numerous running accomplishments included the 1953 Michigan High School 880 yard run championship, his proudest moments came when mentoring and encouraging young MMTC runners. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marilyn; children, Leah Schafer, Lori Schafer (Bob Pierce), David Schafer (Diane DeBono); grandchildren, Erin (James) Balloue, Rachel Fredrickson, Allison Pierce, Matthew Pierce; great grandchild, Adeline Balloue; brother-in-law Kenneth Spurgat, sister-in-law Cynthia (Emmanuel) Jacobson, niece Kim and nephews, Christopher and Scott. Gordon was preceded in death by his mother and father Velma (Hutchins) and Wilbur Schafer, mother and father-in-law Eleanor (Stanley) and Alfred Spurgat, sister-in-law Diana Leigh Spurgat. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February, 22 at 11:00 am at University Lutheran Church, East Lansing. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University Lutheran Church, or your favorite charity. The family is being served by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Laingsburg Chapel where online condolences may be shared with the family at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com.