Karl Mathias Schaefer

Karl Mathias Schaefer is in the arms of Jesus in Heaven. He passed away on April 21, 2023 at the age of 84. Karl was born in Okarche, Oklahoma on March 15, 1939; one of 11 children to Elizabeth (Leona) and John Schaefer of Okarche. Karl was proudly named after his paternal grandfather.
Karl attended Holy Trinity schools in Okarche through high school where he graduated in 1957. He worked on the family farm until he was 18. He then attended OU, OCU and later graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. He spent his entire professional career as an accountant for the oil and gas industry for such companies as Kingwood Oil, Grace Petroleum Corporation, Tilford-Pinson Exploration and Lobar Oil Company.
Karl's military career consisted of six years with the Army and Air Force National Guard. His hobbies included gardening, landscaping and wood carving; many designs won awards at shows such as the annual Oklahoma State Fair. Karl loved his home and swimming in his backyard pool as well as serving as the captain of his purple martins which nested there. Karl was an avid sports fan, played the piano and violin and enjoyed many types of music. In his early years, Karl and his wife, Carolyn were exceptional dancers and graced many a dance floor enjoying square dancing, disco and the country/western eras which showcased their talent. He was a devout Catholic and attended Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church where he enjoyed serving in the choir as well as performing many other church responsibilities.
Karl is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Ann Dvorak Schaefer, as well as older brothers - Francis, Bill, Gene, Robert and one older sister, Beatrice. He is survived by his three children, Diana Tremaine (husband Keith Iott), Lisa Chance (husband Scott Chance) and Brent Schaefer as well as grandchildren Tanner, Kayla, Brittney, Alexa, Greyson and Gage; great grandchildren Sloane, Van, Harper and Jackson. He is also survived by one brother Mike and sisters Judy, Elizabeth, Janet and Linda.
A Celebration of Life and Mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Epiphany Church. In lieu flowers, donations may be made in remembrance of Karl to the American Cancer Society or to St. Vincent DePaul Society of the poor