Reverend Richard "Dick" Schaefer

Reverend Richard "Dick" Schaefer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord, went home to be with his Savior on December 31, 2025, at the age of 91.

Dick was born on April 7, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep faith and a passion for ministry that would guide the course of his life. A graduate of St. Paul Bible College, he devoted his life to spreading the Gospel both at home and abroad.

In 1955, Dick married the love of his life, Barbara Stalker, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Their marriage of 70 years was a testament to their shared devotion, both to each other and to the Lord. Together they built a family grounded in faith, love, and service.

Dick began his ministry as Youth Director at Alliance Church in Milwaukee, where his leadership and enthusiasm for reaching young people ignited his lifelong calling to full-time ministry. His journey for Christ took him far beyond Wisconsin - to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he served faithfully for five years, and then across the ocean to Germany in 1971. There, he and Barbara established several churches during their 20-year mission, leaving a lasting legacy of faith across communities.

After Germany, Richard continued his ministry in Hong Kong, where he served as pastor for eight years. Even in retirement, his heart for ministry never waned. When called back to serve at Appleton Alliance Church, he joyfully led the senior ministry known as the "Nifty Fifty Plus." With creativity and energy, Dick fostered fellowship through faith-filled experiences, including group trips to Branson, Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, and Louisville. He also organized monthly Bible breakfasts, winter senior retreats, and the ever-popular "mystery trips" - events that brought joy, laughter, and community to countless lives.

Dick's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to God's work and his deep love for his family. Barbara was his constant partner and greatest blessing, and together they took joy in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His greatest legacy is the faith he shared with them - a legacy that will continue to shine for generations to come.

Pastor Dick will be remembered for his kindness, his vision, and his steadfast dedication to the ministry he loved. His journey was one of faith in action, and his impact will continue to echo through the lives he touched across the world.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Schaefer; children: Connie (David) Schaefer MacDonald, Judy (Paul) Veit, and Dan & Paula Schaefer-Hoisve; grandchildren: Melissa (Luis) MacDonald, Cherissa (Thylan) Carlstedt, Alissa (Ryan) Woods, Samuel Veit, Hannah (Roger) Faden, Joanna (Frank) DiRenzo, and Deborah (Cory) Krusenstjerna; as well as 7 great grandchildren with one on the way arriving in March.

A memorial service for Pastor Dick will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 Grand Chute Blvd., Appleton, WI. Visitation will begin at church starting at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until the time of the service. Private committal services will take place in Appleton's Highland Memorial Park. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.