Gerald Albert Schafer, 90, of Allegan, died Monday, April 3,at Trinity Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Born Feb. 5, 1933, in Allegan, he was the son of the late Herman and Lilla (Thompson) Schafer and was the husband of the late Florence May (Kremer) Schafer. Gerald was a veteran of the United States Army.
He and Florence wed on Aug. 31, 1956, and raised two sons together on the farm. For Gerald, farming was not only his business, it was also his favorite hobby. He loved to be on his John Deere tractor or any other equipment that ran. Gerald also enjoyed spending time listening to music at the Music Barn in Shelbyville and going to downtown Allegan.
Surviving are his sons, Ron (Kim) Schafer and Mark Schafer (Kerry Briggs); grandchildren, Tamarind (Brian) Truax, Tara Schafer (fiancé, Chris Verda), Ashlyn Schafer and Allyson Schafer; great-grandchildren, Ryan Truax and Parker Truax; and sister, Mary Phillips.
Along with his parents, Herman and Lilla and his wife of 65 years, Florence, Gerald was preceded in death by his brothers, Floyd Schafer and Wayne Schafer.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 6. A funeral will begin at 11 a.m., officiated by Comer Skinner. Gerald will be laid to rest in Poplar Hill Cemetery beside Florence.
A luncheon will be held at Friendship Bible Church following the committal service at the cemetery
