John Schaefer

TREU DEM GUTEN ALTEN BRAUCH - BE TRUE TO (VALUE) THE OLD TRADITIONS
John Schaefer, age 86, born in Murga, Hungary to German parents, Johann Schafer and Anna Marie Geringer. John and his mother, grandmother, and other relatives fled to Johanniskirchen, Germany during WWII. His father was reported missing in action during the war. Finally, in 1950 John and his mother came to America via boat from Italy.
John was a veteran of the United States Army, serving activly from December 5th, 1958 to November 29th, 1960, and as an active Reservist from 1961-1963.
John was a Tool & Die Maker by trade until 1966, when he changed careers and became a sales representative for DoAll Industrial Tool Supplies. This led him to become international sales manager for the firm and travel internationally. Eventually he bought Wakefield -Schaefer Industrial Tool Distributors and after 24 years he sold it. Several years later he started Adler Enterprises which he had to date. During this time John served as President of the Wisconsin Industrial Distributors Assn.
John had always loved his Bavarian heritage and had done much to teach and preserve it. He had taught many workshops, written many articles and was often asked to speak at functions about the traditions of his homeland. He also taught German classes. He was a member of D'Oberlandler Schuhplattler since 1953. President for 45 years. Ehren President since 1978.
He helped with founding of the Gauverband NordAmerika and was an officer for 45 consecutive years. He was an Ehren Mitglied of the Enzian Schuplattler, (Rhein-Maine Gau) Kaiserslautern, Germany and D'Neuschwanstoana (Oberer Lech Gau) Fuessen, Germany.
John was also a member of the Spielmannszug Milwaukee Drum & Bugle Chor where he and Carol were crowned their Prinzen Paar for the 1982-83 Saison.
John had served on the Board of Directors of Germanfest since 1991. He wore many hats including Vice President of Advertising & Promotion, Entertainment, Special Events, and his first love Culture and Heritage to name a few.
On September 27th, 1958, John married his best friend Carol. They were married for 64 years. In addition to his loving wife Carol, John is survived by his son Kevin (Lauren) Schaefer, and his daughter, Cindy (Stephan) Regenfuss, and was "Opa" to his three grandchildren, John Hartz, Annabelle and Sophia Schaefer who he loved so dearly. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Harro Lenz, and other relatives and friends here and in Germany and Austria.
Visitation Friday, December 2 at the HARDER FUNERAL HOME from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. An additional visitation Saturday, November 3 at ELM GROVE LUTHERAN CHURCH 945 Terrace Dr., Elm Grove from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM.