Royal William 'Bill' Schaefer

With his family by his side, Royal William “Bill” Schaefer, age 91, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2014.  Bill was born in Racine on June 23, 1922, son of the late Royal and Marjorie (nee: Pierce) Schaefer.

During World War II, Bill proudly served in the US Army Air Force while stationed in Guam.  On November 11, 1950, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Alice J. Nield, at First Presbyterian Church, where he was a lifelong member and music/choir director for nearly thirty years.

Bill graduated from Carroll College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and was a science teacher in the South Milwaukee area for over thirty years, until his retirement in 1984. In his younger years, he was a member of the Racine Kilties and was affiliated with Camp Anokijig from 1931-1968, serving as camp director for five years. Bill was a member of the Hi-Lo Dance Club and loved his years of square dancing with Alice.  He also enjoyed golfing. Bill will be best remembered for his love and devotion to his family and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Alice; sons, Bill (Louise) Schaefer of Edwards, CO, Jim (Karen) Schaefer of Geneva, FL; grandchildren, Courtney (Kent) Lambrecht, Andrew Royal Schaefer, Matthew James (Courtney) Schaefer, Adam Benjamin Schaefer; great-grandchildren, Chase and Oliver Lambrecht; sister, Mary Lou Hill;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by his brother, Donald.

A Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 730 College Ave., on Tuesday April 22, 2014, at 11 a.m. Interment with Full Military honors will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.  Memorials to the First Presbyterian Church or Camp Anokijig have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888