Joseph William Schaefer

1957 - 2021

Joseph William Schaefer

September 23, 1957 - October 23, 2021

Joseph William Schaefer, 64, of Palmyra, died on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at his home. He was born on September 23, 1957, to the late Marion Schaefer and Gertrude (Zimmer) Schaefer.

Joseph was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service and has been with the Virginia Department of Forestry for over 20 years. He was a volunteer EMT for Louisa County for many years. His love of motorcycles began with a little Suzuki in the 1970s and continued to a Harley Davidson Tri-Glide. Joe and MaryAnn are Life Members of the Orange County Harley Davidson Owners Group.

He was past Grand Knight of Saints Peter and Paul Council 11475 and Past District Deputy of VA District 21 for the Knights of Columbus. While Joe was involved in many charitable acts as a member of the Knights, his overriding passion was the building of a Health Clinic in Kitakyusa, Uganda. Joe was one of the leaders, along with Fr. Gerald Musuubire, who not only built the clinic but made sure it had a safe water source and full-time electricity, both rare in rural Uganda. Joe made several trips to Uganda and loved it and its people. They also loved him and will miss him and his warm, inspiring spirit. His legacy will live on for generations to come through the life-giving work of the clinic.

Joe is survived by his wife, MaryAnn Schaefer; children, Joseph W. (Kitty) Schaefer II, and Lindsey F. (William) Dirr; stepchildren, Jacob M. Steiner and Jamie A. Steiner; grandchildren, Ella B. Dirr, Willa G. Dirr and Daisy G. Schaefer; step-grandchildren, Cameron J. Harnish, Alexander N. Steiner and Brock C. Shelton; and brothers and sisters, Patricia J. (Gerald) Schlangen, Michael J. (Valerie) Schaefer, Thomas J. (Cynthia Cooke) Schaefer, Martha A. Stegeman, Theodore F. (Bridget) Schaefer, and Susan M. (Patrick) Clausen.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

A very special thank you to Dr. Vanessa Shami and Heartland Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Knights of Columbus Council 11475 for the Uganda Health Clinic, or to Heartland Hospice, 183 Spotnap Rd., Suite B, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.