Ronald Martin Schafer, age 74, of 4 Parkway Drive, Gladstone passed away Monday, August 2, 2010 at his home surrounded by family.
Ronald was born March 28, 1936 in Nahma, Michigan, the son of Douglas and Marciel (Ballenger) Schafer. Ronald was raised in the Gladstone area and graduated from the Gladstone High School. Shortly after graduation Ronald joined the United States Air Force, retiring in 1973 after 20 years of service to his country. He received numerous medals and citations. Ronald was united in marriage to Sharon Ollila on June 17, 1967 in Newell, South Dakota, not far from the Air Force Base he was currently stationed at. Ronald returned to the Gladstone area in 1973 and continued to work, as a truck driver for Wagner Transportation for over 20 years and as a driver for the DATA Bus Company. Ronald was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone as well as the Knights of Columbus and the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Ronald liked to hunt and fish and was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and the Green Bay Packers. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by many family and friends.
Ronald is survived by:
His wife, Sharon Schafer of Gladstone
Six daughters: Teri (Bryan) Parks of Knob Noster, Missouri; Patricia (Jim) Hankins of Sedalia, Missouri; Gail (Dave) Koehler of Knob Noster, Missouri; Susie Palomo of Independence, Missouri; Sherry Marjean Schafer-Findley of Escanaba, Michigan; Deborah (Larry) Schaub of Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Two sons: Ronald “Joe” (Marjorie) Schafer of Gladstone, Michigan; Tim Schafer of Gladstone, Michigan
18 Grandchildren
25 Great Grandchildren
One sister: Marcy (Jack) Deneau of Marquette, Michigan
One brother: Jeff (Melody) Schafer of Wichita, Kansas
One sister-in-law: Ann Schafer of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Douglas Schafer; his sister-in-law, Colleen Schafer and two great grandchildren, Faith Hurd and Keegan Palomo.
Ronald’s family will receive friends on Thursday, August 5 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 6:30 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Father Arnold Grambow officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following services in the fellowship hall at the All Saints Catholic Church. Committal services will be held on Friday, August 6 at 8:00 AM at the Fernwood Cemetery followed by Military Rites presented by the United States Air Force in conjunction with the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Memorial contributions in Ronald’s name may be directed to OSF Hospice.
Anonymous
I did not know Ronald Schafer at all but he sound’s like he was a really nice man. I do know that he was a wonderful grandfather-I know his grandson, Jordan and Jordan loves his grandpa! I do hope his family takes comfort in knowing that their beloved Ron is in Heaven with his Heavenly Father. You will all be reunited someday and enjoy each other’s companionship and love again.
Paula Sarasin
Mesa, AZ
Our love and prayers reach out to Ron’s family. A wonderful man there ever was. Ron’s family was blessed with a truly unique and fun loving man with a wonderful personality. Rest in Peace Ron and you will forever live through us and our memories of you.
Dave, Holly, Ethan, Tate Ollila
Newell, SD
My wife Lisa and I would like to send our heartfelt sorrows for the loss of this man. Because of the many miles between us, I was not able to get to know my Grandpa as much as I would like to, but he made an effort to show he cared by traveling to my High School Graduation and my wedding. My wife and I had a wonderful time getting to see and visit with him and Sharon and will always remember him for taking time to be there.
We would like to send our condolences to my mother, aunts and uncles, Sharon, and all the family for this great loss.
Today my wife and I had to put to rest our beloved dog Brutus, who was a 5 1/2 year old Rottweiler who died of Lymphoma Cancer after being diagnosed one month ago. We pray that God will ask Ronald to look after our dog and that he will provide him company on his journey to heaven.
God Bless,
Jeremy Hurd (Patti Hankins Son)
Box Elder, SD
Sherry and family, So sorry to hear about Ronnie. He was always such a sweet and caring man all his life and will be deeply missed! I hope and pray for all of you that you find comfort at this time in knowing he is no longer suffering. Cliff and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Darlene & Cliff Jensen
Escanaba, MI
Dear Schafer Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Mr. Schafer personally, I saw him each week in Church at All Saints with Mrs. Schafer. He was always a gentleman and the two of you always looked so happy together. I graduated with your daughter Sherri, and I send my sincere condolences to you all. God Bless. Thank you Mr. Schafer for your service to our country. Rest in Peace.
Ann Marie Roberts VandeWiele
Gladstone, MI