John W. Schaefer, 82, Sunman, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at St. Andrews Health Campus.
Born April 6, 1927, in Sunman, he was the son of the late Bertha (Brichler) and Alfred Schaefer Sr. He married Ruth (Windholtz) Schaefer 47 years ago, and she survives.
The U.S. Army World War II veteran worked on the family farm for many years and retired from Schenley Distilleries, Lawrenceburg. The New Alsace American Legion Post 452 and lifelong St. Paul Catholic Church, New Alsace, member loved gardening, raising his rabbits and waving to everyone who passed him as he walked along the road.
Survivors also include three sons: Joe, Jim and Jerry Schaefer, Sunman; three daughters: Jeanette Wilder, Greendale, Julie Schaefer, Sunman, and Jen Schaefer, Lawrenceburg; seven brothers: Harry “Butch” Schaefer, Weisburg, Ray Schaefer, New Alsace, (twin brother) Alfred Schaefer Jr. and Robert Schaefer, Batesville, Elmer Schaefer, Greenwood, Ralph Schaefer, Lawrenceville, and Lester Schaefer, Blooming Grove; two sisters: Bertha Mae Pfliegel, Osgood, and Rosemary Conrad, Cincinnati; six grandchildren: Steve Johnson, Andrew and Alex Schaefer and Megan, Sarah and Emily Ferguson; and 31 nieces and nephews.
He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene and Joseph Schaefer.
Visitation and a rosary service were Monday, Dec. 21, at Cook Funeral Home, Sunman. Monsignor Harold Knueven will officiate the 11 a.m. funeral Tuesday, Dec. 22, at St. Paul Catholic Church. Burial is at the church cemetery, with military honors provided by the American Legion post. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Catholic School CCD Religious Education Program or any charity.
Online condolences may be made at www. cookfuneral.com.
