Robert G. Schaefer, age 85 of Knoxville, Illinois died at 9:10 A.M. on Friday, November 20, 2020, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville, Illinois.
He was born on December 28, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri the son of Valentine J. and Catherine E. (Haggerty) Schaefer. He attended and graduated from St. Louis University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He married Patricia R. Carlson on May 14, 1988, at Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife Patricia Schaefer of Knoxville, Illinois; his children: Karen DeHaven of Achany, Iowa, Bob Schaefer, Jr. of Austin, Texas, Patti (Ron) Henan of Baldwin, Missouri, Jim (Kelly) Schaefer of Peru, Illinois, and Rick (Peggy Nuss) Simkins of Knoxville, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Catie DeHaven, Peter DeHaven, Brian Hernan, Michael Hernan, Madison Schaefer, Logan Schaefer, Chelsy Simkins, and Alex (Trenton) Hopper; two great-grandchildren: Addison Simkins and Everson Hopper, He was preceded in death by his parents and one step-son, Roger Simkins and son-in-law, Matt DeHaven.
He worked in Public Utilities, working for Union Electric in St Louis, Missouri for fifteen years, then Illinois Power in Galesburg, Illinois for 27 years, retiring in 1995. After retirement, he went to work for Lowes, for nineteen years.
He raised four children on his own early in his life. He was a dedicated member of A.A., being sober for 40 years and helping other members. He enjoyed photography and bicycling. Attended all his children’s sporting events and activities. His work was his hobby, enjoyed people and visiting.
He served his country in the United States Marine Corp., from July 1952 to July 1944 as an Aircraft Electrician.
In honor of the COVID-19 restrictions face masks and social distancing will be required, visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 26, 2020, at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois, family will not be present. Private family funeral services will be held with Rev. Tucker O’Leary officiating. Military services conducted by the VFW/American Legion/AMVets Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Marines Toys for Tots. Online condolences or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
