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In Memoriam ~ Robert John Schaefer ’48

Robert John Schaefer ’48

We said good-bye to our husband and dad March 25, 2022. Robert John Schaefer (Bob) passed peacefully at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bob was born March 18, 1930 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Dr. Vincent and Jacqueline (van der Hagen) Schaefer. He was the oldest of four children and spent his childhood in St. Cloud, graduating from St. John’s Preparatory School in 1948. He went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1951 with a degree in agriculture. After graduation, he was drafted into the Army and fought in the Korean War. While on leave, he married Irene Kost and they were blessed with 6 children.

In Minnesota, Bob first worked for the Minnesota Department of Soil Conservation and was later involved in the turkey business in the Paynesville, Minnesota area. In 1969 Bob moved his family to Scottsdale, Arizona where he invested in multiple enterprises. He enjoyed traveling, which resulted in many wonderful trips with family and friends, he had many varied interests including jazz, hunting, Arabian horses, and WWII.

Bob was preceded in death by his son Robert, his parents, a brother, and a sister.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Irene, 5 children Eileen (Ken) Landes, Susan (Tom) Pusel, Tom (Linda) Schaefer, Karen (Bill) Blubaugh and Mary Schaefer (David Crain); 4 grandchildren, 4 great grand children, and one brother, James Schaefer.

There will be a private Funeral Mass and burial on April 4, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Valley or St. Vincent de Paul, in memory of Robert Schaefer.