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BORN
1960
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Schafer Obituary
Springfield, IL—Thomas E. "Tom, Tommy" Schafer, age 57, of Springfield passed away on December 2, 2017 at 2:29 am in Memorial Hospital surrounded by his daughters.
Tom was the oldest son of Dale and Maria (Syes) Schafer and was born in Springfield October 18, 1960. Attended St. Patrick's grade school and Springfield Southeast High School.
He is preceded in death by his father Dale. He married Shelly L. Pavich in 1984, later divorced. He is survived by his three daughters Kym and husband Nick Truglio (Charlotte NC), Niki Schafer (Chatham IL), Samantha Schafer and Patrick Shawhan (St Louis MO) and one grandson Mitchell. He is also survived by his mother Maria, brother Mark (wife Nancy), brother Chris (wife Lesa), and sister Cathy all of Springfield. There are several cousins, aunts and uncles, and a host of friends.
Tom started his electrical career with an apprenticeship at Egizii Electric. He went on to become a construction superintendent for Volle Electric then became a Journeyman Wireman. Tom's last employment was as an electrician for Springfield School District 186. He was a very active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 193 for 35+ years while serving multiple years on the Executive Board and held office as the Vice President. He contributed many hours of service as an electrician to the community and various events within the Springfield area. He also enjoyed coaching his girls' sports teams.
Tom has always had a passion for motorcycles, drag racing, show cars, and his grandson Mitchell, who was not only his entire world but his best friend!!
Visitation: The Schafer family will receive family and friends at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 from 3-7 pm.
Funeral Service: The funeral service will be held at 10 am Friday, Dec. 8, 2017 at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Chatham Memorial Cemetery, Chatham, IL
In lieu of flowers, Tom's wishes were for any memorials in his memory to go the American Diabetes Association 2501 Chatham Road Suite 210 Springfield, Illinois, 62704 and/or the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois 215 West Illinois Street, Suite 1C / Chicago, Illinois 60654.
Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhome.com where memories and condolences may be shared with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Bisch Funeral Home West 544-5424.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Schafer
Sponsored by Bisch Funeral Home.
Brenda Bowsher (Solomon)
December 18, 2017
To the Schafer girls and family,
I met Tom and his buddies, Jay, and all the Shirley boys and gang back about 40+ yrs ago, through my dad Leroy Solomon. I remember Tom loved fast cars, motorcycles and girls. (Along with his black ranchero and 38 Special music.) He was always smiling and in a good mood and pleasant to be around. He was able to take me to my prom/homecoming when I was in high school, back when I was 17; about 38 yrs ago. I'll never forget the time we all went to Jaycees Haunted house and they made me go through the house in front of them, and I ended up kicking one of the monsters and doing some damage! Oh so many yrs ago; seems like yesterday! It was sad to hear of Toms passing; but for the past 2 years The Lord had laid Tom on my heart to pray for him. Wasn't sure of all that was going on with him since I hadn't seen him in about 10 yrs. Nonetheless, whenever He brought Tom to mind, I would remember to pray for him. Somewhere around the first of December, early in the am, I was up from getting home from work late. The Lord brought him to mind again. Prayed he would be healed and that he would know The Lord if he didn't already. It wasn't a day or two later my dad called and let me know of Tom's passing. I was sad, but know he's at peace and where he is supposed to be now; with The Lord. I'm glad I got to know Tom all those yrs ago, and was glad God used me to pray for him. Rest in peace Tom, and enjoy heaven!
Camela (Cami) Bisch
December 13, 2017
I am extremely sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. He was a wonderful man. I am thankful to have been coached by him many moons ago in school age soccer! His leadership and support helped mold me into the woman I am today. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kym and your entire family.
Christopher Ryan
December 10, 2017
Sorry for your loss, I met Tom working overtime on Crown Plaza with Greg Midden for Mansfield had to have been 95.
Kym Truglio ( Schafer)
December 10, 2017
On behalf of my sister's and myself I want to thank everyone who called, texted, and messaged us. We cannot thank you all enough for the outpouring of love and support at this difficult time. We love our dad and it makes us so happy to see how many lives he touched. Thank you all.
Joe Elias
December 8, 2017
Rest In Peace brother
Mike Vespa
December 8, 2017
Chris sorry to hear about Tommy's passing he'll be missed.
Denise Solomon
December 7, 2017
To the Schafer family: my deepest sympathy to all of you in this time of sorrow. Tom was truly a good man and will be missed by so many people. May our Lord bring you peace and comfort. ~Denise Solomon
Jessica and Mike Hoppe
December 7, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a good neighbor and did lots of nice things for our girls. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Mike Marcy
December 7, 2017
Sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guy always nice running into him at car and bike events and catching up on projects.... R.I.P. Buddy
Mike Short
December 7, 2017
Tom and I were friends at St. Pats. He had such a big heart. In Kindergarten he gave me 14 valentines. After grade school, I would run into him on occasion and it was like we were back in grade school and he always seemed very joyful.
Jeff Jones
December 7, 2017
Deepest sympathies to the family.
Gerald Gene Burnett
December 6, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the family. What a stand up guy. Gene and Carol Burnett
Susan Wallace Good (Watson)
December 6, 2017
The Schafer family, your father was a wonderful man with a golden heart. He will be missed by many. My heart goes to all of your family members. His kindness and love for life and his grandson was overwhelming. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
Dino Dinora
December 6, 2017
So sad to hear about Tom's passing. I knew Tom from school for many many years. I lived on Stanford along bunn park, not to far from Toms house. Tom and I both had old Camaros, and he would stop often when he seen my garage door open. As life went on, when we ran into each other, we would still talk about those old Camaros. We would also talk motorcycles, he was a great guy. My condolences to the family. Dino Dinora
Dave Gurnsey
December 6, 2017
RIP, Brother
Rick Eubanks
December 6, 2017
Sending Prayers and Condolences to the family. I worked with Tom for many years and knew him for many more. Tom was a good Electrician and a better man with a huge heart. RIP Brother.
Michelle Lechner
December 6, 2017
To the Schafer girls & family,
I knew your Dad for about 35 yrs and kept in touch through FB. Last time I saw him he had given me some tiki torches he was getting rid of and ended up fixing an electrical problem I had while he was here. I enjoyed his love for you girls and his Grandson, who he mentioned often through FB. I hope Mitchel will have some great memories to hold onto forever,
My condolences,
Chelle Lechner
Paul Barker
December 6, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Schafer family. It's never easy to lose anyone ,this one hurts a little more. Tom was one of the most honest intelligent thoughtful and sincere person you would ever meet.He cared a great deal about the community and people who lived here.He will be certainly be missed.RIP Tom
Lenny Hamende
December 5, 2017
My prayers for his daughters, grandson and brothers Mark and Chris. We all attended St Pat's together and Tom never changed from having that big heart of a big kid through life. Blessed to know him. Rest in Peace
Nick Baltusevich
December 5, 2017
Tom was a great Electrician and friend to me and many other fellow electricians. I loved working with Tom at the fairgrounds. We got the work done and had fun along the way. We shared a lot of laughs together. I know Tom loved his girls and adored his grandson. Rest In Peace old friend, I know you are smiling down on us pain free at last
Dawn Wood
December 5, 2017
To the Schafer girls and mitchy,
Family and friends .
We are so sorry to hear your sad news,
We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Your in our hearts and thoughts.
All our love and kisses .
Chris and dawn wood
England uk xx
Larry Davis
December 5, 2017
I've known Tommy almost all of my life, he was a good man. May God give the family peace in these troubled times. I'm so sorry for your loss...
Neil Hervey
December 5, 2017
Tom was as passionate a person as I have ever met, whether it was his family, girls or Mitchell his grandson and best friend it was his love of the IBEW and fellowship with his electrician brothers. I served on the e-board and numerous committees with Tom, he was never afraid to volunteer and go the extra mile.
He had a smile that could turn a bad mood to good without words. I will miss my brother but I will never forget him and all the great times we had.
God Speed
Trisha Redpath
December 5, 2017
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a good friend of my brother, Tom Redpath. He was very caring and helpful when Tommy passed. So sorry for your loss.
Michele & Gary Wilson
December 5, 2017
To the Schafer girls and Mitchell, we send our prayers and condolences to you all during this time. May you cherish the memories and good times. Tom was a good guy and neighbor.
Ron Smith
December 5, 2017
Tom was a fellow 193 member and a true friend. He was very proud of his girls, and especially proud of his grandson. I enjoyed working with Tom at Egizii and later at the school district. I will miss you my friend, rest in peace.
Tim Schafer
December 5, 2017
Tom, you meant the world to your Girls and Mitchy,
May you forever watch over them
You will be missed by everyone who knew you
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