Larry Joe Schafer

Larry Joe Schafer, 85 and a long time resident of Evansville, lost his battle with cancer, peacefully passing away at the Linda White Hospice Center Deaconess at 10:20 p.m. on August 13, 2025 surrounded by his family. Larry was born on July 1, 1941 in Canton, Illinois to Louis "Bud" and Helen Schafer.

Larry was raised in Francisco, Indiana and was a proud graduate of Francisco High School where he also played basketball. After graduating, he joined the United States Navy, soon finding his way to Yokosuka Naval Base where he specialized in communications on a submarine. He was also a member of the traveling basketball team. Larry was a proud member of the American Legion and the VFW.

While serving in Japan, Larry met the love of his life, Mitsuko Iijima. They were happily married on May 23, 1961 and set up home in Francisco. Together, they had 3 children; daughter Kimiko Lynn (deceased), son Chris, and daughter Kumiko Lynn.

After returning from the Navy, Larry began working for Potter & Brumfield (Siemens) and would retire 38 years later as their International Sales Manager. Work was literally a hobby for Larry. After retirement, he helped Mitsuko with anything necessary at her Japanese restaurant, Kanpai! He loved singing Sinatra and Elvis tunes for the customers as they dined. After Mitsuko retired, they enjoyed trips on his Harley Davidson Road King and cruises with friends. Larry loved building things with his hands and remodeling houses. A great source of pride for Larry was the home he and Mitsuko designed and built in Princeton, Indiana, the majority of it by their own hands and a lot of love. He disliked having idle hands up to the day of his passing. Work was never work for Larry. The end result of it all was something he took great joy in. His hobbies included motorcycles, golf, woodworking, and anything sports related.

What Larry really loved and adored were his children and grandchildren! He helped coach several Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams, managed an American Legion baseball team and was a founding member of the Goaltenders Booster Club for the Princeton, Indiana High School Basketball Team in 1983. No game was too far for him to attend. His and Mitsuko's (Meme) greatest joys were their five grandchildren: Kayman, Cole, Conner, Trey, Zane, and great-grandson, C.J.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bud and Helen Schafer, sister Judy, brother Mike Schafer, infant daughter Kimiko Lynn and beloved wife of 52 years, Mitsuko, who he has now joined in Heaven with our Lord.

He is survived by son Chris Schafer and daughter-in-law Laila, daughter Kumiko Wilkison and son-in-law Chris, grandchildren Cole, Conner (wife Georgia Lea), and Trey Schafer, Zane Wilkison, Kayman (husband John Coloso), great-grandson C.J., sister Peggy Willis (husband Gary), best friend since 2nd grade, George Green, sweetheart, Wanda Powell, and several nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Japan.

A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held on September 20, 2025 at the Francisco General Baptist Church in Francisco, Indiana at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the church for their piano fund.