Donald F. Schaefer

Donald F. Schaefer, 96, of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at Aurora Hospital in Grafton, Wisconsin, from complications of a broken hip. 

Born in Milwaukee on March 6, 1930, Don grew up in the Ozaukee County communities of Thiensville, Grafton and Port Washington. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. He attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and for many years worked in the Golda Meir Library at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee until his retirement in 1995. 

After his retirement, Don could often be found playing a round of golf with friends on one of the Milwaukee County golf courses or exercising at the YMCA. He enjoyed hunting, exploring and spending time at the family cabin in the Northwoods. 

Woodworking, tooling leather and dining were Don’s cherished hobbies. Reuben sandwiches (particularly prepared with crosscut corned beef), salad with French Roquefort dressing and corn on the cob were his favorite foods. 

Don was a devoted father and always loved getting together for special events with his children and grandchildren. He could often be found on the sidelines cheering for his grandchildren at their sporting events. 

He is survived by Diane, his loving wife of 68 years; his children, Guy (Ellen) of Mequon, Gary (Karen) of Cedarburg and Ronda (fiancé Chris) of Mequon; and his grandchildren, Taylor, Chloe, Madeleine, Paul, Parker, Graham and Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Mabel, and a brother, Roger. 

A Funeral Service honoring the life of Donald F. Schaefer, will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, 12:00 PM at First Immanuel Lutheran Church (W67 N622 Evergreen Blvd.), Cedarburg.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, at the church, from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM.  The family will share memories promptly at 11:45 AM followed by the Funeral Service.  Military honors will be performed following the Funeral Service at the church.  Interment will take place later that day at Immanuel Cemetery, in Cedarburg, at 3:00 PM.