Kenneth F. Schafer

In today's society, material possessions tend to be a benchmark to measure a mans success. Too many times, the simpler qualities, such as a devout faith, dedication to family and hard work are easily overlooked when judging a mans character. Ken Schafer was not someone consumed by material gains in life but by the satisfaction of putting his family and faith first and doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand. With faith as his guide, he accomplished much in life and loved abundantly. Life will never be the same without Ken, but the memories he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many. Though the 1920s roared with jazz and flappers, many people were largely removed from the glitz and glamour associated with the times. This was particularly true for the Schafer family, living in Beal City, Michigan. Frank A. Schafer was a local tavern owner in Beal City, while his wife, Louise B. (Schafer), was a busy homemaker and mother to their six children, Margaret, Orielda, Marie, Lillian, Beatrice and Norman. On May 19, 1929, the couple welcomed the birth of their son, Kenneth. It wasnt until after the arrival of seven more children, Francis, Betty, Mathias (who died as an infant), Evelyn, Everett, Donald Nick and Jim, that the Schafer family was complete. Being one of fourteen children in a Depression era family, times were often difficult, but the family was filled with love and strong in their faith. As a child, Ken remembered getting one toy and a cookie for Christmas, and ringing the bell at St. Joseph The Worker Church in Beal City, which they attended. Ken attended school through the 8th grade, and then left to go to work which was common at that time. Then, at 21, he followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and joined the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean Conflict (February 1951 to November 1952) as a private first class. After the war, Ken returned home to Beal City and went to work for Joe Theisen at Drakes Refinery Station, Inc. After several years, he went to work with his brother, Nick, at Schafer Construction and remained there until Nick's passing. His last job was working for his friend, Richard Most, at REM Construction, from which he retired. Ken considered Richard to be his real life hero. Life was good for Ken, but it took an even happier turn when he met Cecelia June Ostrander while at the bar with his sister, Betty. The two fell in love and were married on May 10, 1958, at St. Joseph the Worker Church in West Branch. They soon became the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Kimberley Ann and Melissa Mary, who brought them immeasurable joy. Kens daughters will always remember him as a loving father and snappy dresser. They shared so many unforgettable memories with him over the years that now become treasures of the heart. Kimberley fondly remembers sitting with her Dad in the basement of their house on Lincoln Road putting together puzzles and listening to Christmas music, which he loved. Melissa also remembers singing Christmas and Country songs with her Dad and Mom on all their trips down south for the winter. Like clockwork, they would stop at Cracker Barrel to eat, and her Mom would shop in their little store, hoping to find an angel figurine to add to her large collection at home. Ken would tease her that there was no more room in the van for her shopping bags. One of Kens most memorable trips was the six-week car expedition he and June took with their best friends, Don and Sheila House, to Alaska. It was breathtaking! After retiring, Ken continued his traveling adventures with June and the Houses, visiting all 49 states and five provinces in Canada. In the time he was given, Ken enjoyed so much of what life had to offer, yet there was no greater joy along his lifes journey than being with his beloved family. He loved his daughters dearly, and was the doting grandfather to his three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They all loved to spend time with Grandpa Ken, and no one could pass up his scrumptious French toast. Actually, he was a pretty darn good cook, especially when it came to his sugar free pies and his out-of-this-world peanut butter fudge that he made for the holidays. His granddaughter, Elisha, remembers helping her Grandpa make hamburgers on the grill and serving them on his Fat Albert tray. They also played with his train and village set, and often went to church together. His grandson, Noah, remembers the many things he did with his Grandpa, like learning to change the oil in the car. His great granddaughter, Kayleigh, can only smile when she recalls how she was going to marry her Grandpa someday when she was 80! One thing they will all remember about their beloved father and grandfather was that he had a deep, devout faith. He did not miss a day of church until he became ill. Ken was a proud member of the Sacred Heart Parish for many years, where he served as a former Eucharistic minister. Ken was a fun-loving guy who loved to party and drink with family and friends. One of his favorite sayings was Fine like wine, but liquor's quicker. Later, when he was diagnosed with diabetes, Ken had to give up drinking - but not the fun! He liked to play horseshoes, cheer on the Detroit Tigers, do word search puzzles and play solitaire. His most prized possession was his 1997 White Lincoln Town Car. And there wasnt a Christmas or Country music he didnt love to sing along to! Although Ken will be dearly missed, his legacy of love and dedication leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. Ken Schafer, 84, of Mt. Pleasant, MI passed away on Monday, November 18, 2013, at his home with his loving daughter, Melissa, and grandson, Joshua at his side. A Funeral Mass for Ken will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 22, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Thomas Held presiding and Deacon Larry Fussman assisting. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home on Thursday, November 21, from 4-8 p.m. with the Vigil service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Friday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Cancer Services or to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Ken is survived by two daughters, Kimberley Wheeler of Mt. Pleasant and Melissa Schafer of Sanford; grandchildren, Elisha (David) Daymon Jr., Noah Schafer, and Joshua Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Darbyi, Paisley and Taylor Daymon and Kayleigh Schafer; siblings, Norman (Viola) Schafer of Shepherd, Francis Schafer of Beal City, Evelyn (Ron) Malish of Mt. Pleasant, Everett (Betty) Schafer of Beal City, James (Patricia) Schafer of Mt. Pleasant; brothers-in-law, Ray Blasen of Lansing, John Sheahan of Beal City, Dallas (Phyllis) Ostrander of West Branch and Edwin (Yvonne) Ostrander of West Branch; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecelia "June" Schafer; six sisters, Sister Margaret Schafer, Orielda Farner, Marie Rahl, Lillian Blasen, Beatrice Sheahan and Betty Sunderman; brother, Donald Nick Schafer, and infant brother, Mathias Schafer. To learn more or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.luxfamilyfuneralhome.com .