Raymond W. “Ray” Schaefer, 102, of the town Kewaskum, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2013, at Beechwood Rest Home in Beechwood.
He was born on April 20, 1911, in the town of Kewaskum, the son of the late Louis and Emma (Backhaus) Schaefer, and he was baptized on May 14, 1911. On October 13, 1934, he was united in marriage to Agnes Meilahn at St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kewaskum. Ray and Agnes were lifelong residents of the town of Kewaskum where they farmed. Agnes preceded Ray in death on June 2, 2000.
Ray was a member of St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kewaskum where he served on the church council. He was very involved in the community where he served as a member of the Kewaskum Elementary School Board, was on the district CESA 16 Public School Board, started the Kewaskum 4-H’ers Club and was a founding member of the Kewaskum Kiwanis Club.
Ray will fondly be remembered as a conservationist, a good card player, a “celebrity” at the YMCA and one who enjoyed fishing, dancing and married life. He will always be known as Dad and Papa and will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew him.
Those Ray leaves behind to cherish his memory include three children, Audray (Ernest) Wiesen of Rocky River, Ohio, David (Cathy) Schaefer of Kewaskum and Dan (Gail) Schaefer of Madison; six grandchildren, Rachel (Rich) Anderson, Erica M. Wiesen, Beth (Bert) Falak, Sandra (Tom III) Etzel, Jeremy (Nicole) Schaefer and Mary Schaefer; eight great-grandchildren, Charles and Tristan Horning, Janae, Joelle and Noah Anderson, Alayna, Mckenna and Jaxon Falak, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ray was preceded in death by a sister, Elva (Milton) Coulter.
Funeral services for Ray were held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2013, at St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kewaskum. Rev. Troy Swenson officiated and burial followed in Lutheran Memorial Park in Kewaskum.
The Schaefer family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services.
Memorials to Winnebago Lutheran Academy or the charity of one’s choice in Ray’s memory are appreciated. Please omit flowers.
The Miller Funeral Home in Kewaskum was entrusted with Ray’s arrangements.