Joseph Schafer

Joseph "Junior" Schafer, 79, died on March 14, 2011 in Ionia Michigan. He was born in Fowler, on August 31, 1931, the son of Joseph and Mary (Fernholz) Schafer. Joe was a proud member of VFW Post# 4063, having served in the Army as an Artilleryman, during the Korean War. He is a recipient of the Occupation Medal, Japan and Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. Joe was a fine musician, playing the piano, harmonica, and best known for his accordion playing. Joe was a self-taught tile installer, passing his skills on to his sons.

Joe is survived by his daughters; Margaret (Randy) Evangelesta of Sierra Vista, Arizona; Marla Schafer of Lansing, and sons, Milo (Pegi) Schafer of Ionia, Colin Schafer of Land of Lakes, Florida; Harold Craig Schafer of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Joe is also survived by his sisters: Joyce (Gordon) Essenberg, MaryLou Hagerman, Alice Burdette, Laura Divish, brothers, Arthur (Josephine) Schafer, Eugene (Pat) Schafer, Dennis Schafer, grandchildren, Lena, Carla, Katrina, Amanda, Angela, Joseph, Brian, great grandchildren, Sydney, Curtis, Mya, D.J., Nathan and several nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, son, Brian Schafer, sisters, Catherine Hatfield, Irene Fisher, Adeline Schafer, and brothers, Bernard, Gaylord, and Charles Schafer.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery Chapel in Fowler, Michigan. The family was served by Osgood Funeral Homes.