Roman J. Schaefer Jr., 89, passed away at home on Monday, November 4, 2024, after a short illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Friday, November 15th, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Marshfield, with Rev. Dan Thelen officiating. Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, Nov. 14th at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield, and from 10:00-11:00 am on Friday at the church. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Russell, Dean, Ryan and Joseph Schaefer; Garland and Richard Dahlke.
Roman was born on August 9, 1935, in Marshfield to Roman and Margaret (Lang) Schaefer. He was baptized, received First Holy Communion, and was confirmed at St. John’s. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1953. In 1955 he graduated from UW-Madison’s Ag short course. Growing up he spent many hours showing Guernsey cattle through 4-H. Aunt Rose gave him books for his birthday and he developed a love of reading. In his home, he was surrounded by grandparents and extended family. He loved his Aunts, Uncles and many cousins, often saying he was lucky to be raised in the family he was.
On June 14, 1958, he married Janet LaSee. That union brought forth five children: Christine, David (a “blue baby” who lived only a few hours), Carla, Russell and Dean. They were married 20 years.
Roman served on the boards of Marshfield Co-op/CWC and Stetsonville Co-op, as well as over 30 years with McMillan-Warner Insurance Company.
Back in the 70’s, Dad taught us girls to water-ski at Aunt Rose’s cottage and to downhill ski at Rib Mountain. He indulged his daughters with shopping trips to Milwaukee. We snowmobiled on the farm with his Scorpion Stinger. He bought us boys a motorbike and allowed us to build our first race car in the farm shed. Dad liked to discuss religion and current events and in general liked to preach about the way things “should be.” He had a lifelong love of draft horses and used them for many years to make wood. He was able to drive tractor and make wood until this past year.
Much of our time with Dad was spent sitting around the kitchen table or on the farm working to the rhythm of the seasons. Dad farmed on the family farm his entire life, first with his father, then with his sons. He loved the land, his woods and farm. He never desired a bigger barn or more acres. He was fulfilled with his little piece of heaven on earth.
Roman is survived by his children, Christine Schaefer, Carla (Marvin) Mannigel, Russell (Brenda) Schaefer and Dean Schaefer, all of Marshfield. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Brittney Rae Schaefer, Ryan Schaefer, Sarah (Tanner) Tyrolt and Joseph Schaefer, plus three great-grandchildren: Brynleigh, Scarlett and Roman. He is further survived by a sister, Colette Dahlke (Jim Rosenthal) of Wisconsin Rapids, and a brother, Duane Schaefer of Cottonwood, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clemence.
We want to especially thank Diane for her assistance these past weeks.
Though Dad’s loss is painful, we are thankful that he is at peace and reunited with God and his beloved family who have gone before him.
A farmer lives because his farm lives.
Because he, with God’s mercy and grace helps breathe life into their plants and animals.
A farmer lives because he can farm.
A farmer without a farm is a bird without a sky.
It survives, but is never truly happy.
Author Unknown
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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