Gary D. Schafer

Gary D. Schafer, 82, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away on the morning of August 31, 2023, in the care of the staff at Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems and surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born November 3, 1941, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Howard and Virginia (Sobkowiak) Schafer. He was married to Susan Marie (Merrell) Schafer, who preceded him in death on July 6, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Kenneth Schafer.

Gary was a true Onalaskan, born and raised, attending elementary at Irving Pertzch Elementary and eventually graduating from Onalaska High School in 1960. Upon graduation he began his life’s journey in the world of construction. He soon met his forever love and wife to be, Susan Merrell, and became husband and wife December 29, 1962 at St. James Parish in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Gary was a master of his craft and took great pride in all that he created. He built numerous homes, businesses, infrastructure, and places of worship all across western Wisconsin. His greatest prides were the two homes he built for his family and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Holmen, Wisconsin.

Gary’s life was defined by his dedication, loyalty, love, and humor. He served as a model to his children and grandchildren on how to be a loving spouse, parent, friend, and member of his community. Gary gave us many memorable moments we shared as a family. Many a summer spent living up at the farm, traveling to numerous antique tractor pulls, and the oh-so anticipated trips to Wisconsin Dells. Winters that brought snowmobile trips, the annual cutting of the Christmas tree, and doing his best to clean ice on a hockey rink with a very primitive zamboni.

He was always present at his children’s and grandchildren’s events, without hesitation. Gary instilled a love of rural life, family, and laughter.

His hobbies were few, but he sure was passionate about his farm, his furry friends in the backyard, his old truck, and his beloved dog, Ace.

Gary is survived by a very large family, his sister Darlene Schafer, his children: Kevin Schafer, Craig (Holly) Schafer, Keith (Donna) Schafer, Stephanie (Monty) Harreld, Christopher Schafer, and Cory (Ann) Schafer. Gary’s memory will live on, deeply, in his fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial for Gary will be held at 10 AM Saturday, September 9, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Holmen, Wisconsin. Rev. Jim Weighner will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Luncheon will follow the service and will be held at the Holmen American Legion, Holmen, Wisconsin.

The entire Schafer family would like to thank all the amazing staff and Gundersen Lutheran Hospital for the care and compassion they gave our father in his final hours, Schumacher-Kish Funeral Services for the attention and understanding given in such difficult times, and to Gary’s longest and dearest friend, Doug Huggett. A man who is the true definition of friend and family.