Harvey J. Schafer

Harvey J. Schafer, 67, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 1, 2021. Harv was born August 19, 1953, in Mt. Pleasant, son of the late Howard J. and Florence A. (Finnerty) Schafer. He was welcomed into the home by his older siblings, Daniel, Peter, and Pamela. The family would grow as he was later joined by younger siblings Jeffrey, Gregory (died at birth), Ernie, and Eric. He attended Beal City High School where he enjoyed playing baseball and where he fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Marge Block. The two graduated in 1972 and on December 28, 1974, were married at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City. One of Harv's first jobs was at Cook's Potato Farm where he worked during the summers. He also held jobs at the Pixie, Sweet Onion, Big Boy, and Lux Funeral Home. With a strong work ethic, Harv somehow managed to own and operate Harvey's Carpet Cleaning while he worked at various jobs during his career. His final job was working at the Commission on Aging from where he, ironically, retired on June 30, one day before his passing. Harv was incredibly social and got great satisfaction from volunteering. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish where he was immensely active. For many years he managed the Parish Hall and was an usher at the church. He was also on the SHA Athletic Board, often volunteering his time with concessions, transporting sports team in his many vans, and most notably, spending countless hours in preparation of the famous Lenten Fish Frys. Harv and Marge moved from the city to their home on Nottawa Road to satisfy their love of country living. Once there, Harv was able to enjoy hobby farming (raising crops, cattle, and pigs), often sharing the fruits of his hard work with others. He was a wonderful host with what seemed to be a never-ending supply of food and beverages. If there was a card game to be played, he was in, especially if it was a good game of Euchre or Pepper. Harv's warm and friendly personality made him an instant friend to many, and he will be dearly missed for sure. Harv leaves behind his four children, Amanda Schafer (Michael Cauvel) of Mt. Pleasant, Harvey "Buck" (Emily) Schafer of Jacksonville, FL, Sam (Allison) Schafer of Canton; and Kyle (Emily) Schafer of Mt. Pleasant; five grandchildren, Sophie, Bryson, Cora, Vada, and Isla; siblings, Dan (Carol) Schafer of Beaverton, Pete (Patty) Schafer of Watsonville, CA, Pam (Fred) Sponseller of Farwell, Jeff Schafer of Mt. Pleasant, and Ernie Schafer of Spartanburg, SC; in-laws, Hazel Schafer of Mt. Pleasant and Jim and Joy Block of Colorado Springs, CO; friend, Michelle Howes of Elwell; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Florence Schafer; wife, Marge Schafer; infant brother, Gregory Schafer; brother, Eric Schafer; parents in-law, Harold and Vada Block; and brother in-law, Bob Block. A Funeral Mass for Harv will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant and Deacon Larry Fussman assisting. A luncheon will follow at Sacred Heart Parish Hall.  Harv will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in Beal City.  The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Tuesday from 1:00-7:00 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation continues at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Schafer Community Impact Fund at Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.