Donald J. Schaefer

Donald J. Schaefer, 82, passed peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at the Schaefer Family Farm in St. Thomas where he was born, raised, and resided. He was born on September 21, 1936, a son of Joseph and Sophia (Leven) Schaefer. A life well lived, he was an avid, self-taught ornithologist, with unmatched colonies of purple martins, turkey flocks and enjoyed watching all birds. A master hunter and conservationist, he had a particular love of fried squirrel. He carried on the Schaefer family traditions and passed many secrets of curing award winning bacons and hams along to a selected few, most notably Marlan and he always enjoyed a nice cold Budweiser or "red skin". He was a proud member of Local Plumbers and Pipefitters Union 562 for over 50 years. He is survived by his children: Ronda Schaefer of Jefferson City and Marlan Schaefer (Lori) of St. Thomas; grandson: Samuel Schaefer; and many nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his daughter: Kimberly Schaefer; son: Steven F. Schaefer; grandson: Ryan Kaiser; and siblings: Wilbert (Albina), James (Rosie) and Charles (Helen) Schaefer and Delores (LeRoy) Stockman. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. with Fr. Steven Jones officiating. Private family interment will follow at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Kim Montessori School, 1024 Kim School Circle, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.