Walter Christian Schaefer, 90 years old, passed away peacefully on the early morning of December 17, 2019

He was born on October 30, 1929 to German immigrants Christian and Marie Katherine (Randecker) Schaefer in Lennox, Iowa. He graduated from Stockton High School in the spring of 1947. He was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton, Illinois. He also enjoyed attending church at St. John's Lutheran in Pearl City, Illinois where he made many friends.

He married Barbara Guy on July 23, 1953 at Christ Lutheran Church and they started their family. He was employed at National Lock as a Die maker from 1947 to 1950 until he was called home to help with the family farm due to the death of his father.  Walter started his agricultural business in 1956 and continued in the agricultural business until 1985. During this time he was employed at Atwood Automotive for three decades. After this he ventured into the carwash and storage shed business with his friend James Hass and S & H Enterprises was formed. This business continued until he sold out in 2014.

Walter enjoyed giving of himself to his family and to the community. He was an EMT for the Stockton community for several years. He was involved with Mission America thru Christ Lutheran Church which assisted with the rebuild of the Gulf coast after hurricane Katrina. Walter also worked with the Red Cross of Northwestern Illinois for several years.

Walter is survived by his Son in Law Don Blomberg of Freeport, Illinois, daughters Susan (Steven) Heller of Stockton, Illinois, Sandra Schaefer of Pecatonica, Illinois and Laura (Harley) Melbye of Occonomowoc, Wisconsin. He is survived by 20 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, his wife Barbara and his daughter Kathleen.

Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church on Saturday December 21,2019 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton, Illinois to immediately follow the service.

A memorial fund has been established.