Robert "Bob" Schaefer

Robert "Bob" Schaefer

July 2, 1936-April 15, 2021

Robert Eugene Schaefer, 84, of Harlingen, TX, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, TX. A private family graveside will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson, IL. Reverend Randy Mullin will officiate. Memorials may be made to The Geneseo Humane Society or Abilities Plus. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert was born on July 2, 1936, the son of Carroll and Anne (DeCrane) Schaefer in Annawan, IL. He joined the US Marine Corp, and earned the rank of Corporal. In 1956, Bob married Betty Andrews. He later married Mary Ellen Dillon in 1997. Bob returned home and worked for Erdman Construction. In 1960, he opened The Cellar restaurant in Geneseo, as the head manager and chef. Bob was a great businessman, and opened another restaurant in Davenport, IA. In 2001, Bob sold The Cellar and retired. He was a past director at Central Bank and the Geneseo Foundation. Bob was an active member of the Moose, Illinois Restaurant Association, Geneseo Off-Street Parking Committee, and was a chairman of the Hammond Henry Foundation Support Committee. Bob was a past president of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce and was also a past president of the Mississippi Restaurant Association. Bob enjoyed golfing and traveling with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Ellen; sons, Scott (Brenda) Schaefer, and Curt Schaefer; daughter, Debra (Mike) Taylor; three step-sons, Patrick Dillon, Michael Dillon, and James Dillon; brother, Francis Schaefer; grandchildren, Brandy Littig, Bridget Thompson, Nathan Schaefer, Tara McIntosh, and Talin Schaefer; nine step-grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Anna; son, Patrick Schaefer; and sister, Patricia Gradert.