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Henrik Schaeflern Obituary
1927 - 2011
RAYMOND -- Henrik Schaeflern, 83, of Raymond, died on May 31, 2011, following a motor vehicle accident.
He was born on Aug. 3, 1927, in Budapest, Hungary. He and his family spent many summers at Lake Balaton, southwest of Budapest. He witnessed the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and was able to escape communist rule by crossing the border into Austria, where he lived until he was able to travel to Germany.
He was helpful to the refugee effort that dispersed throughout the world following the uprising in Hungary with his expertise in linguistics. He boarded a ship for the United States.
In the united states he continued his education in engineering and mechanics and completed his degree at the Newark Institute of Technology.
He met his future wife, Marie-Jeanne of Nancy, France, while studying for his citizenship. They were married on Aug. 2, 1958. He often said that he was not a hyphenated American, not a Hungarian-American: he was a proud American.
He worked for many years as a Design Engineer at Singer Corporation in Elizabeth, N.J., with many patents for both sewing machine and knitting machine mechanisms.
He was a proud father of his two daughters, Patricia and Kathleen, and his two grandsons. His grandsons spent many hours playing chess with their grandfather and listening to stories of his past. He loved do-it yourself projects, fishing, cooking, and painting. He was a handy man to many family, friends and neighbors over the years.
He will be sadly missed for his warm personality, helpful advice and giving nature. We love you Papa. Please watch over us.
A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at Sacred Heart Church. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn. Family and friends are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Henrik's life by visiting his guest book at www.thefotingroupauburn.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to a college fund for his grandsons be made in its place.
Henrik Schaeflern
The Fortin Group
Auburn 207-783-8545
Lewiston 207-784-4584
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henrik Schaeflern
Andy H.
May 27, 2025
I still use some "Henry isms" like "speak to me" when I answer the phone - I have a lot of fond memories of a wonderful man.
Linda J. Kozel
May 3, 2012
I just saw a photo of Henry! I knew him. He came to Lowes to talk with me and my husband. Since the accident I had no idea this was the man I knew as Henry. He was a wonderful man! I'm am stunned. This is unreal for me.
Christine
August 4, 2011
My family and I were heartbroken when we heard about Uncle Henry. He was a big part of our childhood and we always admired him. We wanted to be there for your family like you were when our dad passed away. We have a great deal of regret that we did not get to Maine to help support you with this great loss. We will always miss our Uncle Henry. Love and deep sympathy, Christine and family
Laura Fairbrother
June 24, 2011
I knew Mr. Schaeflern because we delivered his heating oil. I loved to hear his stories every time he came in to pay his bill. Sometimes he would be here for an hour. He was great. I was in shock when I read in the paper about his passing. He had just been in the office on Friday. I will miss him and his stories very much. My sympathy goes out to his family. Rest in peace Mr. Schaeflern.
Susan W.
June 8, 2011
While I did not know Mr. Schaeflern, I feel his death is such a tragic loss. May you find solace from your memories of him, and trust that he has found peace.
steve huntoon
June 8, 2011
Of the times I spent with Henry, my most memorable was of our trip to Budapest together. Through his eyes and stories I was able to have an experience that would otherwise have been impossible. He had a great wit and a warm, fun loving personality that endeared him to me and my family. He will be missed. God Bless you Henry
June 5, 2011
i am very sorry to hear about your dad. We did not know him but our hearts are heavy for him. May he rest in peace.. god bless you all in your time of sorrow.
Margaret & Andy Rancourt
June 5, 2011
Patti,
I'm sorry to hear about your father. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Jane Hedstrom
June 3, 2011
I knew Henry from caring for his dental needs for the last ten years. I always allowed extra time because he was such a fasinating man and we had some great conversations. I learned so much about his boyhood and life here in the states. My condolences go out to his daughters and two grandsons.
Jessica Beaumont
June 3, 2011
M name is Jessica Beaumont. My mother is Linda Kozel and I wanted to send my sympathys and condolences to your family. On behlaf of my entire family and the Kozel family.
June 3, 2011
Henry, the stories you told only scratched the surface of an extraordinary life...I'm glad I met you.
June 3, 2011
God bless you. So very sad.
Uncle Henry was always there for me.. My college graduation.
Marie Gruszczynski
June 3, 2011
I was blessed to have Uncle Henry in my life for 46 years and as my god father. I will truly our visits, long talks, his willingness to help me with anything, even just to give me advice about life, our visits always involved laughter. You will always be in my heart Uncle Henry. God Bless you and Kahtleen and Pattie.
Christine
June 2, 2011
I did not know Mr. Schaeflern, but my heart went out to all involved in the accident when I heard about it. It sounds like he led an amazing life. I am very sorry for your loss.
Susan H
June 2, 2011
My prayers and condolences to your family. What a wonderful and heroic life he has lived.
Andy H
June 2, 2011
Henry will be missed. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and will always fondly remember his stories and that large palm of his whacking down on the table when he was telling a good one! He enriched everyone lives with his warmth.
Vickie Clarke
June 2, 2011
I know the other family who were part of this accident. I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. I have cried and cried for all of you. My God be with all of you at this time. I am sure your Papa will be watching over all of you.
Vickie Clarke
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The Fortin & Pinette Group, Dillingham, Lynch, Plummer & Merrill217 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210
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