Peter Schaefer passed from this life on June 23, 2008 at the Mesilla Valley Hospice with family and loved ones by his side. He was born June 25, 1959 in Las Cruces, NM to Otto and Jane Schaefer. He was raised in Mesilla and proudly considered himself a Mesillero. He graduated from Las Cruces High School where he helped lead the 1975 football team to a State Championship season. After attending NMSU and University of Hawaii, he returned to Las Cruces where he pursued a career in the culinary arts. For many years, he owned and operated the Hacienda restaurant in Las Cruces. While Pete's passion was cooking, he loved meeting and greeting his many friends and loyal customers who enjoyed years of the very best of the southwest's cuisine presented in a home-like environment. He wanted his food to taste so good "it tasted like more (Chope)." He was the first certified chef in the state of New Mexico and served as president and then on the board of directors of the NM Restaurant Association. He was named the Grand Champion at the New Mexico-Texas Chile Wars for 5 consecutive years. Pete's recipes were favorites among all who visited the Hacienda
His greatest pride and joy was his family. In 1990 he married Lisa Gutierrez and together they raised 4 beautiful children, Justin Miller and his son Neven, Renee Miller, Otto and Audrey. He is survived by his wife Lisa and all his children. He is also survived by his brothers Tony and his wife Annette, Jim and his wife Nancy and Stefan and his fiancé Carmen Garza along with his dear McDowell aunts, uncles, cousins and many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Pete will be remembered for his loving and giving personality. He was always quick with a smile of support and a friendly joke. Peter was a true friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
There will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday June 28, 2008 at 5 pm at Dickerson's Barn and all are welcome to attend. Pete was a pot-luck connoisseur so please bring your favorite dish to share. In lieu of flowers. donations may be made to the Peter Schaefer Scholarship Fund in care of the Bank of the Rio Grande or the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA).
Services have been entrusted to the care of La Paz – Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador Las Cruces, New Mexico. To send condolences log on to www.lapaz-grahams.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Jun. 26 to Jun. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Schaefer

14 Entries

Susan Serna

July 5, 2008

I had the pleasure of working for Peter at the Hacienda in the early 80's. He was a joy to work for and was always on the move. I was working for him when he created his first wine margaritas, I think he called them winearitas. I know he must have been suffering and my heart goes out to his family. He is in a better place now where his suffering is gone.

michelle barrera-apodaca

July 1, 2008

Lisa and family,
You are all in my prayers during this very difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. God bless you.

Sandra Bustos

June 27, 2008

Fresh out of high school, I was hired at the Hacienda as a hostess. The praises for Peter's culinary creations were never ending and his interactions with the customers was humbling. Pete at times would ask me to try his "special chile." I always based my answer on how big of a smile he had on his face. The bigger the smile, the hotter the chile. I never felt like an employee at the Hacienda but as a member of the beautiful Schaefer family.

Rest in peace Peter. May God bless you and your family.

Myrilla Carson

June 27, 2008

We were saddened to read of Peter's passing. We send our sympathy and prayers to all of Peter's family.
Myrilla and Woody Carson
Fort Collins,CO.

Chris and Tricia MacLaughlin

June 27, 2008

We have been enjoying Pete's cooking for many many years and were sadden deeply to learn of his illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family

Janet Snyder

June 27, 2008

I barely knew Peter, many years ago, through his one time partner, my cousin Evelyn. He was such a wonderful, genuine, caring man. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I hope his family can find comfort in the knowledge that he now makes heaven a nicer place to be. God bless you all in your time of grief.

William (Will) Wellborn

June 26, 2008

Peter you were a great man and a great friend. I am honor to know you and been your friend for over 30 years. As Steve said last night of our posse has move on. We were and always will be brothers. We will miss you amigo. I know I speak for myself Bill Martin and Steve issacks on this you were our brother will always be

Barbara Fountain

June 26, 2008

I was saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was a nice,kind man and he will be greatly missed.God bless him and my prayers go out to all of you.

Rosa Cabrera

June 26, 2008

Peter was our best man when Henry and I got married. We had the wedding at the Hacienda. Peter was a kind and caring person. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is in heaven now enjoying a cup of coffee with Henry. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

B. M. Cabrera

June 26, 2008

I had the pleasure of knowing Peter since our Zia Jr. High days. Back in those days, he made such an impression on me for always being a gentleman--always respectful of others. He was always the optimist with a great sense of humor. He’s one of the reasons I can look back at my youthful memories and smile--he was a bit of a prankster. Peter was always one to help others and a great source of moral support. After I moved away in my freshman year, I hadn’t returned for several years. Imagine my surprise when we went to eat at Hacienda, Peter actually recognized me and greeted me with a big hug. That speaks volumes to the type of person he remained throughout his life. He always made his friends feel so important to him! Learning of his accomplishments, I couldn’t help but be so proud of him. In the entire time that I spoke with him at his restaurant, he never mentioned his illness. I learned about it from an article featuring Peter in the LCSN. Many were saddened to learn of his ailment; however, we respected his mentality of not allowing it to be the focus of his life. That spot was exclusive to his family, his restaurant, his friends, and his contributions to the community.

He will be deeply missed by the community, as Peter Schaefer had a profound impact on many! I was truly blessed to have known him and will miss him. Please allow me to extend my deepest condolences to Peter’s entire family and friends for their loss. You will be in my and my family’s prayers. God speed Peter!

Sincerely,
Blanca Marie

Christina Lessau

June 26, 2008

Peter will be missed dearly. Now he will be cooking for the rest of the angels in heaven. God Bless you all and may God give you the strength you need to make it through this tough time in your lives.

Miller Marie

June 26, 2008

Lisa, Otto and Audrey,
We will keep all of you in our prayers. We love you all and are saddened for your loss. Marie Miller, Keifer and Jahara Orfild.

Rafael (Rafa) Herrera Jr

June 25, 2008

Peter was my Chef, Mentor, and Boss but most importantly he was my Friend. He was someone I looked up to as he led by example. Always such a hard worker and perfectionist when it came to the cullinary arts. Under his guidance, as one of his line cooks, my skills improved day by day. He gave me the confidence to become the best that I can be. Not just in the kitchen but in whatever I put my mind into. Nowadays I'm a registered nurse and I cook whenever I get a chance. I cook with passion and pride. My family and friends love my cooking. Not a day goes by when I don't find myself thinking and wishing that I was back working in Pete's Hacienda Restaurant. It's an honor getting to know you Pete. I will miss you my brother! My thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family! Now it's God's turn to enjoy your heavenly cuisine!

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results