Ronald Schaefer

Schaefer, Ronald Harvey

MADISON - The Schaefer family, Cynthia, Eric and Alexandra, sadly announce the death of Ronald Harvey Schaefer, age 82, on July 20, 2021. He was born on June 2, 1939, to Harvey and Lorraine Schaefer in Milwaukee, Wis. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a bachelor's degree. His two master's degrees in fine arts were earned at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Ron had a long and successful career as a fine arts professor and department chairman at the University of North Dakota. He also taught printmaking in Provence, France, in the 1980s. He married Cynthia Bates in 1962. The couple was married for 58 years. They traveled extensively, visiting museums throughout the world.

Ron was part of a loving family. His children, Eric Schaefer and Alexandra Schaefer Karvala (Eric), along with their mother, cared for him during his final illness. His five grandchildren are Sydney, Jack and Savannah Schaefer and Reese and Vaughn Karvala. Although he was an only child, he was raised with three cousins, Linda Mutter, Cheryl Fischer and Diane Waite. He had one niece, Molly Evans, and two nephews, Kirk and Max Evans, all of whom live in the Washington, D.C., area.

Ron had many interests besides art, including being a passionate Green Bay Packers fan and an enthusiastic gardener. He loved animals and volunteered for the Dane County Humane Society. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and kindness.

Family and friends are invited to a casual gathering at his gravesite at Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills, Wis., on Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. People are encouraged to share and talk about their relationship with Ron. Lunch will follow. Donations may be sent to the Agrace HospiceCare or the Dane County Humane Society.