Carl "Joe" Schaefer

1942 - 2025

Carl Julius Schaefer Jr., 83, "Joe", passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Beeville, Texas on April 13, 1942, to Carl Julius Schaefer and Mary Christine McKinney Schaefer.

Joe was an excellent athlete growing up and a star quarterback for the Sinton Pirates. He, following in the footsteps of family, attended Texas A&M University. He was a member of the Corp of Cadets and played on the football team as a backup quarterback, but he decided the following year to focus on his studies. He graduated with a BS in chemical engineering.

Upon graduation, Joe served as an officer in the Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He later went on to serve as the Captain of the Army Reserve unit in Bay City, Texas.

Joe started and finished his career with Celanese, retiring after 35 years as the Global Manager of Product Stewardship. While at Celanese in Bay City, he met the love of his life, Susan Matzke. Joe and Susan married in 1970 and over the next 10 years had four children, Bryan, Steve, Jennifer, and Jeffery.

Joe was a beloved husband, dad, and Opa. He enjoyed sports and projects on the weekend, especially his yard and garden. Joe was an avid fisherman in the Gulf and the Colorado River. He always took time to play with his kids and grandkids and coach his kids' teams.

Joe and Susan retired to Fredericksburg, Texas in 2001 and have enjoyed the "Ranch" for over two decades. He turned his attention in retirement to his seven grandkids who love him very much. Joe was a valued member of Fredericksburg Rotary, Doss Volunteer Fire Department, and Doss Community Club. He also enjoyed volunteering at Knopp #1 nursing home and serving as a hospitality minister at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents as well as his first son, Bryan, and sister Gayle. Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan; sons, Steve (wife Destiny), Jeffery (wife Diana), and daughter Jennifer; in addition, his sisters, Ginger and Janie, and brother, Quentin. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Andrew, Aiden, Alex, Addison, Noah, Leah, and Selah.

A visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. at the Schaetter Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. A recitation of the Rosary will begin at 5 p.m. A Mass of Celebration will be held Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fredericksburg. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, followed by a reception at St. Mary's Holy Family Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the charities below:

Compliments of Caroline at www.complimentsofcaroline.com founded by Joe's nephew, Brett and his wife, Jessica; dedicated to the charitable cause of raising awareness and meeting the needs of East Texas children.

Alzheimer's Foundation at www.alz.org, which leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Texas.