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Keith Louis Schafer
Keith Louis Schafer
Obituary
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Keith Schafer Obituary
A proud Spartan, Keith graduated in 1980 from Michigan State University with a degree in Materials & Operations Management. He spent 26 years at General Electric, where he served as Sr. Executive of Sourcing, Fulfillment and Logistics. He later transitioned to United Technologies, where he held the position of Vice President of Global Supply Chain until retiring in 2011. Among his many professional achievements, Keith was most proud of improving processes and mentoring countless individuals. The tools and methods he developed continue to shape and support the work of those he guided, a testament to his lasting influence and commitment to empowering others.
Keith was a fierce competitor and enjoyed playing tennis and joking around with his good friends at the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Club. He was an active member of Grace Community Church, where his faith grew and many special friendships formed. Throughout his illness, Keith encouraged others and told them about Jesus, who was the source of his hope and strength.
While Keith will be remembered for his contagious laugh and fun spirit, his competitiveness, and his remarkable work ethic and drive, he will be remembered most for his strong faith and love of family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on May 3, 2025 at Grace Community Church, 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240, followed by a light lunch reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
Grace Community Church at https://gracesarasota.churchcenter.com/giving or
Tidewell Hospice at 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239, http://www.tidewellfoundation.org/donate
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28 Entries
Mark Anderson
May 2, 2025
I formally met Keith once. He was about to play on the tennis court next to us. I had heard of his battle with cancer and was wondering how it was going. Keith was honest and did not hide his difficulties, but there was this glimmer in his eyes as he told me "I just lives one day at a timeline to the best of his ability."
I could sense this peace that is above all understanding radiate in the words he said.
I believe I missed out on knowing a true disciple of the Lord.
Julie DeWane
April 30, 2025
May you rest in peace Keith knowing that your mark on this world is indelible. You truly shared your time and talent with so many, making us all better both professionally and personally. I am grateful that our paths crossed years ago and value the time that we worked together.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Julie DeWane
Scott Dutiel
April 28, 2025
I feel privileged to have known Keith, if only briefly, through tennis over the last couple years. What comes to mind when I remember him was his enthusiasm! He laughed and told jokes with gusto. And definitely played tennis with a lot of gusto. The same way he no doubt lived his life. My condolences to the Schafer family. May he rest in peace.
John Mann
April 28, 2025
I knew Keith through our Tuesday morning bible study. His humbleness in his faith, his warmth, and his humor will in legacy live on. I'm going to miss him very much. Thanks, Keith, for shining your light all these years!
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Roger Gasaway
April 27, 2025
Keith & I worked together for 20+ years, from North Carolina to Connecticut to Florida and traveled the world together mucking around in manufacturing facilities. His data & process driven approach to problem solving combined with his determination, resulted in creating order out of chaos.
His impact & imprint could be found in most everything we did, from people to processes, they all had a Keith Schafer influence. Still today there are many Keithism´s scattered around Operations. Keith was always the one to ask the tough questions that most others avoided and would defuse the tension with his quick laugh.
He was an incredible leader who steered companies & people to become better. People gravitated to him because of his experience, knowledge & desire to teach others. I personally learned so much from him. He was the guy you always wanted in your foxhole.
Rest in peace Keith. My thoughts & prayers are with Ginger & family.
Your friend, Roger Gasaway
Tanya Janeczko
April 26, 2025
Keith was always happy, smiling, laughing, and ready to share a glass of wine with some great conversation. I will miss his fun laugh. Ginger, I am so sorry for your profound loss. May God give you strength and Bless you always. I love you, my dear friend!
Kevin Maisch
April 24, 2025
To Keith's family, may you be embraced with wonderful memories, bringing you joy and happiness at a time of heartfelt loss.
MH
April 24, 2025
Keith was a generous mentor to me at GE, giving me an opportunity to join his team and learn valuable lessons from him I still apply today. His encouragement and mentorship was invaluable to me and many others at GE. May his memory be a constant blessing to you all.
Charlie Baumgartner
April 23, 2025
Sad thoughts of him passing... but having learned how to deal with people and business from him, while we both worked at GE, I feel his impression upon me is moving forward still, impacting others. My thoughts are with your grieving family.
Jennifer Garner
April 22, 2025
Dad´s are so important and, judging from the character of his son, this guy has to have been one of the greats. With love and condolences for the entire Schafer family. X
Lorie Kerber
April 21, 2025
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Chris Folena
April 21, 2025
My most heartfelt and deepest condolences. God bless you and your family in this time.
Shahid Sandhu
April 20, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike Vann
April 19, 2025
I was fortunate enough to cross paths for a few years with Keith in the early UTC (Brocke) days. He was fun, smart, competitive and created a band of brothers atmosphere with those he worked with. Having the privilege of working with him and one of his mentees Wayne Banner for years, I learned the power of statistics in supply chain that I would never have known were it not for him. I also remember how he used those same methods to dominate in Texas Hold-Em. Blew my mind and still a story I tell today. Condolences to his family and friends. I smile to hear he was a follower of Christ, and led others to do the same. That´s the statistic that matters most.
Adrian
April 18, 2025
Was saddened to hear of Keith's passing. What a great guy. One I learned from every time we were together. My sincere condolences to his wonderful family. Adrian I. Peace
Ty Jeffers
April 18, 2025
Rest in heaven Keith. As so many have stated, your influence and your passion left an enduring impression on me. Over 2 decades later, I still share many of the lessons that you shared with me on your whiteboard. Those principles still hold true. Thank you for your coaching, your mentoring, and always being an example for us to learn from. Thank you!
Chris Esper
April 18, 2025
My condolences to his family. Shared a lot of fun times at MSU!
Mark Mazar
April 17, 2025
For most of the years that Keith and I worked in Plainville we had offices next to each other. He was quick to analyze, never afraid to challenge, and always up for a good debate-not for the sake of winning, but because ideas deserved to be tested. And if you could keep up with him in a debate, you knew you were doing pretty well. Yes, he could be stubborn. But there was always a willingness to listen, even if it meant a follow-up the next day with "Okay, I thought about what you said..." That was the kind of integrity Keith had-strong opinions, but never closed off to reason. Besides business, he also loved talking about investments-whether it was suggesting gold when everyone else was looking at tech, or championing a contrarian stock pick. And heaven help you if you disagreed-because then you'd be in for a passionate, data-driven, and often entertaining lecture. I will miss the energy, the challenges, the laughter, and the moments that reminded me what it means to truly care-not just about the work, but about the people doing it. You made such a big impact on so many people.
My heart goes out to his family and you have my deepest condolences. Rest well, Keith.
Ken and Marilyn Anderson
April 17, 2025
So many thoughts, so many emotions and so much gratitude that my / our life has been and continues to be so much richer because of Keith and Ginger. Keith´s laughter, his passion to share a good book with others, being unashamed to share his faith in Jesus...and responding to God´s nudging by taking action, whatever the cause, all reflect the character and legacy that will continue to influence and impact my / our life! Additionally, the courage, the compassion, and the love that flowed from the marriage of Keith and Ginger will forevermore be imprinted on our hearts!
Carrie Almond
April 16, 2025
Keith and Ginger are very special to me! My heart goes out to Ginger and her family at the loss of Keith and I pray that you will all find God´s supernatural peace at this time. Keith, you will be missed!! And, I promise you, we will watch over Ginger for you!!
Carrie Amond
Carol Schafer
April 16, 2025
Ginger and Family,
I loved Keith's laugh, fun and spirit. He was always in a good mood and many times very entertaining.
I also benefited from his deep love and faith in Jesus. We had some inspiring discussions and he was a great example
for us all.
Last but not least he was a loyal Spartan. I could count on him for good Spartan discussions or company during a Spartan game.
Keith, I will miss you. But I am so happy you are now with Jesus.
Jackie MacInnes Linam
April 16, 2025
May you rest in peace Keith. You were a valient warrior, admired by many.
Nancy Leyva
April 16, 2025
Ginger I´m sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. May God give you all peace and comfort during this time. Love y´all
Christine A. Felton
April 16, 2025
My heart goes out to my dear sister, Ginger- who always has an inviting smile & hug! Her mate of 41 years will be sorely missed by her & their loving families; but we all know Keith is with Jesus; who has told him "well done, thy good & faithful servant!" I pray strength & courage to the entire family as your lean on the Lord & the many friends during this time of sorrow! Amen Christine
George Farrelly
April 16, 2025
RIP Keith. You were a fierce competitor on the tennis court and would add a laugh in between points. You will be missed.
Ted
April 16, 2025
Keith was one of the fisrt men that I met at Grace Church...6 years ago. He was in the men's Bible study with us back then. Always loved his wisdom and willingness to share his faith. He always knew how to bring a smile and/ or a laugh every time I talked with him. He also knew how to comfort and be there as a pillar to lead on. You will be missed, brother, but now you are experiencing the gain that we all long for and hope for. Well don my friend.
Randy Schafer
April 16, 2025
Keith was an amazing brother, friend, motivator and inspiration. I was truly blessed and fortunate to have him in my life.
I will always treasure the times and sharing.
I love you brother.
John Brocke
April 16, 2025
Ginger and family. Keith was such an influence on me both professionally and personally. I am going to miss talking current events, solving supply chain constraints, and just talking for hours about life and what´s most important - Faith and family. It still hasn´t hit me yet as I wanted to call him multiple times in the past few days. He has left an unforgettable legacy and he lives on through all of the people he has influenced. I will miss the countless laughs we had. My heart aches for you all. I am a better person for knowing him and grateful for sharing so many memories together.
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