Robert Schafer

Robert "Bob" Schafer

1932 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Schafer of Santa Maria, CA, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, four days short of his 93rd birthday.

Bob was born on November 13, 1932, in Baltimore, MD, to J Vinton Schafer and Wilhelmina Melchior. Bob graduated from General Vocational School and began working full-time in his father's construction company at the age of 16. At 19, he married his high school sweetheart, beginning a marriage that lasted until Ann's death more than 61 years later. Their engagement was announced at Prom! After the birth of their three sons and while working full-time in construction, Bob enrolled in adult school and earned his high school diploma. When a back injury terminated his career at the age of 42, he enrolled in college. He earned a Master's degree in Vocational Education from California State University, Los Angeles, and went on to teach carpentry and construction technology at Santa Monica City College, Venice High School, and Garfield High School. He received many grateful tributes from his students, as he helped build their self-esteem and guided a number of them into successful careers in woodworking and construction. Upon retirement, Bob moved to Santa Maria to enjoy his golden years with Ann, where he designed and created a stunning garden, and bought and customized a motorhome he named "The Wanderin' Waldorf".

Bob was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a beloved teacher. He instilled a love of the outdoors in his three sons, taking them camping and fishing, SCUBA diving together, and participating in their Cub and Boy Scout activities. When Ann suffered a series of devastating illnesses in the final 15 years of her life, he selflessly dedicated himself to her care and comfort. The Wanderin' Waldorf was sold, and Bob became cook, housekeeper, and nurse. His devotion to Ann was a model of what love looks like in the face of adversity.

Bob is survived by son Robert Jr and his wife Yuju Chen, daughter-in-law Margie Schafer, grandchildren Heather, Jeremy, Tyler, and Genevieve and her husband Peter, and great-grandchildren Adam, Nathan, Charlotte, Juliette, Jacob, Joshua, and Layla. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Russell, Royal, Burt, and Bill; his sisters, Minnie and Alice; his wife Ann; and his sons, Ken and Larry.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Chapel at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

Graveside Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery.

The family is exploring the possibility of a live broadcast or a Zoom meeting. If interested, please email rfschafer337@gmail.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.