Photo courtesy of TWOHIG FUNERAL HOME
Mequon, Wisconsin
1953 - 2018 (Age 65)
Robert W. Schaefer, 65, of Mequon, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2018. He was born on March 10, 1953 in Fond du Lac, the son of the late Robert and Beatrice Schaefer. On September 3, 1977, he married Sandra Scannell at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. Bob was the Director of music at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, FL, and played at churches in Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, and California. He toured across Europe playing his compositions and played for Pope John Paul II. Bob loved life and taking people on new adventures. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Alexa (Aren) Williams; grandchildren, Jensen, Ella, and Wren; sister, Debbie Borkenhagen; father-in-law, Thomas Scannell; and siblings-in-law. Jeff Beahm, John (Carla) Scannell, Linda (Pat) Lloyd, Tom (Marie) Scannell, Mary (Steve) Gueller, George (Ann) Scannell, Gail (Scott) Wustrack, Jennifer (John) Dilling, and Charlie Sosinski. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Patricia Beahm; mother-in-law, Sis Scannell, sister-in-law, Diane Sosinski, and brother-in-law, Dick Borkenhagen.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 25th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church W1562 Co Rd B, Eden, WI 53019 . A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at the church with Rev. Ralph Gross officiating. Private entombment will be in the Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery, Fond du Lac.
Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.
Bob, Tom and I still miss your beautiful music. You were always so pleasant and friendly and so very talented. Heaven is so blessed to have you in the Heavenly Choir.
rhea proctor
May 16, 2024 | Winter Park, FL | Friend
Deeply sorry. Always loved singing with Bob, who taught me so much.
Ed Ahlsen-Girard
March 25, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. You are greatly missed.
thomas proctor
May 17, 2020 | Winter Park, FL | Friend
I am so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I played cello at St. James for a few years in the early 90s (as a high-school student), and Bob's kindness, humility, faithfulness, etc. served as a model and inspiration for me as I discerned a vocation/career in church music. I will continue to champion his compositions, and will always be thankful to have known him. My most heartfelt condolences to Sandy, Alexa, and all of Bob's family and friends.
Greg Homza
December 10, 2018 | Portland, OR
Just learning this today. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. Bob was truly a blessing in our lives. I enjoyed being in the choir and traveling, but most of all, we treasured his friendship. We first met Bob when he came to interview at St. James in 1984. We have always been so proud of him and all of gifts to the church. He will be missed.
Debbie & Mario Scarabino
October 25, 2018 | KISSIMMEE, FL | Friend
Marie
June 22, 2018 | Germany
Please accept my sympathy and prayers to Bob's family. His faith and his good works are a testament of his faithfulness and love. I am grateful for Bob's gifts and I celebrate his life, lived well. Sincerely, Sister Mary Jane Wagner
Sister Mary Jane Wagner
June 11, 2018 | Milwaukkee, WI | Classmate
What a loss! Bob was an excellent musician and truly a faithful servant.
Elaine Rendler
June 08, 2018 | Martinsburg, WV | Coworker
May his memory be eternal. Such a fine pastoral musician and composer.
Michael Prendergast
June 07, 2018 | Portland, OR | Friend