Ronald Francis Schaefers

Ron was born in Faulkton, SD on August 2nd, 1933 to Bill and Ella Schaefers. He grew up in Orient, SD and Napa, ID graduating from high school in Herriod, SD where he was captain of the basketball team.

S/SGT Schaefers had been a smoke jumper/firefighter for the US Forest Service before entering the US Army 82nd Airborne Division in 1953-56. Following his military service he worked summers in Glenallen, AK where he volunteered at the Copper Valley School mission helping to build the school for Alaskan native students. He went on to return to the lower 48 where he completed a course and training in cabinet making at Minneapolis Community College in 1958.

He met his wife of 56 years, Mary Jo Schaefers, in Spokane, WA in 1960. After their marriage they moved to Alaska where Ron became a cabinetmaker and contractor for many years in Anchorage and Palmer, AK. Throughout his lifetime Ron served in church and community either helping others or working on various projects. Since moving to Olympia in 2006 he has served both on the church prayer teams and as a greeter. He was always willing to help out his friends and neighbors in need and was involved in many projects supporting his children and grandchildren. He was a number one Seahawks and Mariners fan.

Ron was a member of Carpenter’s Local 1281 out of Anchorage, AK retiring several years ago. In his younger years he loved fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, and after retiring enjoyed motorhoming with Jo to California and Arizona. As a member of the Olympia Horseshoe Club he took first place in the Washington State Horseshoes tournament in 2011 and placed for two years after that.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marion Jones, and brother Harold Schaefers. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Schaefers, sister Sr. Maria Elena Schaefers, O.S.B., son Richard, daughter Mary Kay Schaefers, son-in-law Keith Moffatt, daughter Schatzie Schaefers, and grandchildren Madeleine and Elijah Moffatt.

After dealing with Alzheimer’s for over three years he died suddenly of heart failure with no suffering or pain. The family appreciates the loving care he received from the Z and E family Care Home.

A quiet but active man of strong faith who loved reading his bible, loved by many, he will be missed.