Franklin Schaefer

Franklin G. Schaefer

1935 - 2019

On Saturday, May 11, 2019 we lost an amazing man that made a difference in the lives of so many, Franklin G. Schaefer. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family, just as he wished.

He was born in Kenosha, Wis. on June 25, 1935, to Frank and Stella (Pawlowski) Schaefer. Franklin was educated in Kenosha County Schools, graduating from Union Grove High School. Later Franklin went on to receive a degree in Agricultural Science. On Sept. 28, 1957, he married Ardis Sellers at St. John's the Baptist Church in Paris Township. They were happily married for 60 years, setting an example of a loving marriage. They were blessed with two daughters, Debra Schaefer and Sheri Schaefer.

Franklin was a self-employed farmer owning and operating Schaefer Produce, Inc. in Paris Township, Kenosha County, raising potatoes, cabbage, onions, grain crops, hogs and beef cattle. Yearly Schaefer Produce raised over one million pounds of potatoes for the Campbell Soup Company. High quality vegetables were produced annually. Franklin knew how to farm – he used his knowledge of science, agriculture and his love of the land to grow bountiful, successful crops. He instinctively understood the land. Franklin devoted his life to his family, his community and his business. Franklin volunteered extensively in the community during his lifetime.

Franklin served in the United States Navy. He was very proud of the time he dedicated to his country. He oftentimes said he would have made the Navy his career – but the family farm in Paris Township was where he needed to be. He went on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington, DC on Nov. 5, 2016. This beautiful experience profoundly touched Franklin. He loved his country and lived by the Stars and Stripes motto – Every Day is a Bonus.

He devoted time to the Kenosha County 4-H Program As a founding Livestock Committee member he, along with other dedicated volunteers was instrumental in starting the Buyer's Appreciation Dinner for those purchasing animals at the County Fair auctions. Franklin met many lifelong friends through his involvement in 4-H. Franklin served as a member of the Kenosha County Fair Board in charge of the Tractor Pull Competition and helped bring the Combine Demolition Derby to the fair – a favorite event to this day. Time spent at the Kenosha County Fair created memories that lasted a lifetime.
Franklin was an active member of the Kenosha County Farm Bureau Board, serving for many years. Promoting and supporting agriculture was important to him. Additionally, he served on the Historical Green Ridge Cemetery Board.

Franklin took great pride in being a charter member of the Paris Township Fire Department. He volunteered as a fire fighter for many years – dedicating hours to help those in need. He engaged in extensive training – late at night and on weekends – to be the best he could be in his volunteer position. He obtained the ranking of First Lieutenant – of which he was very proud. As a volunteer fire fighter he found honor in responding to help others.

In 1992 as a gift to the City of Kenosha Franklin and Ardis donated to the Kenosha Public Museum the Schaefer Woolley Mammoth, found on their farm. They welcomed archeologists to the family farm for a complete excavation. The Schaefer Mammoth rewrote paleontology articles and journals. It put Paris Township and Kenosha County in the headlines and history books. Shortly after the donation, the City of Kenosha opened a beautiful new public museum to display this find for all to enjoy. Franklin and Ardis were Friends of the Kenosha Public Museum for decades. Together they advocated for Kenosha County and Paris Township initiatives.

Franklin loved his country life and home. After retirement from farming his love of the land was evident in his beautiful gardens. Friends and family enjoyed receiving care packages of fresh vegetables from his garden. He was a self-taught wood worker, creating beautiful pieces of furniture not only for his own patio but also for those lucky to receive some of his creations. He was a self taught antique restoration expert – taking items neglected and bringing them back to their natural beauty. Welcoming family and friends into their loving home was something Franklin cherished. Never did a visitor leave without being offered a cup of coffee. Franklin loved engaging in conversations with others and enjoyed sharing his own stories – about his family, his community, his life. He enjoyed traveling and created many fond memories with his family. His travels took him to many special places around the world. He was a patient fisherman - always hoping for the big catch. Golf cart rides around his property and across the street to visit family became a daily must. Franklin treasured nature, feeding birds, creating a beautiful lawn and spending time outdoors. Sitting on his patio was a favorite past time. Watching the deer come to visit at dusk was always a special treat.

Franklin leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters, Debra Schaefer of Kenosha and Sheri Schaefer of Kenosha. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Jerry) Thompson and sister-in-law Brenda Schaefer. Beloved nieces and nephews Rick Stetson, Beverly Stetson, Lorrie (Chuck) Gann, Dave Virgili, Jeff (Yolanda) Schaefer, Brian (Snezhina) Thompson, Adam (Jane) Schaefer, Michelle Yamaguchi, Scott Stetson, Wayne Thompson, Corey Schaefer and Amanda (Sergio) Arizimendi. Also dear friends Jim and Pam Bauer.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ardis in 2018; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Delmar and Mildred Sellers; his brother Richard Schaefer; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Donna and Ned Virgili; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dick and Lois Stetson; nephew Tim Thompson and very special great nephew Anthony Schaefer.

Should family and friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Organization at starsandstripeshonorflight.org/donate. Veterans see memorials, experience a full day of honor and are thanked for their service.

Franklin’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the excellent, compassionate care provided by his caregivers – Kalli and Chris, among many others – and by Dr. Bienemann and Dr. Bylow. We will always be grateful to Aurora at Home Hospice for the loving and compassionate care. And to all his special family and friends – who took time out of their busy days to stop in and visit with dad. He treasured these visits – and enjoyed sharing a few of his many stories with you.

A Celebration of Life for Franklin will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Hansen-Lendman Funeral Home with Full Military Honors. Inurnment will follow at Green Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Hansen-Lendman Funeral Home 6019 – 7th Ave.
Kenosha, WI 53143
262-654-2136
Online Memorial Book
www.hansen-lendmanfuneralhome.com