William Jacob Schafer Saginaw, MI
William Jacob Schafer went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 23rd, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy battle with Multiple Myeloma. Bill was born in Saginaw, MI on November 15, 1948 to Jacob and Doris (Beyersdorf) Schafer who have predeceased him. He graduated from Hemlock High school in 1966 and received a degree in Tool Design from Ferris State University. He married Charlotte Marie Myers on June 17, 1977 and was blessed with three children; Alyson Marie Schafer, Jacob William Schafer, Emily Ann Schafer and his adored grandson Gibson William Davis.
Bill had a heart for the voiceless and was a tireless advocate in the movement for life. He started serving with Right to Life of Saginaw County in the 1980s, holding several leadership positions, and served on the board for Michigan Right to Life for more than a decade. He had a way of encouraging people to join him, and his passion was contagious. He retired from Dow Chemical with over 36 years of service as a Mechanical Engineer, leading many projects and co-authoring a number of patents. He started running at the age of 40, running too many road races to count. He completed 8 marathons over the years 2007-2012, most notably the 2008 Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, NM and the 116th running of the Boston Marathon in 2012. He loved being surrounded by people in his post-retirement jobs with the Great Lakes Loons, Dow Event Center, and Saginaw Valley State University. He enjoyed his bottling runs as an investor with the Tri-City Brewing Company and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a gigantic love of all things American; especially baseball, music, and craft beer. His heart loved to experience mighty Michigan, especially the porches of Mackinac Island, rolling, winding, country road trips, and following his beloved grandson Gibbys sports teams as his #1 fan throughout the state.
His strong Catholic faith was the foundation of his life and his devotion to God is what kept him always trusting in Him over everything he battled, especially in the difficult last 17 months. Bill was grateful and blessed to receive amazing care from so many great organizations: Covenant HealthCare, Cleveland Clinic, University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cancer Services of Midland, Covenant Visiting Nurses. His doctor at MD Anderson, Hans Lee, was a gift from God during this time.
"Im a bonafide sinner thankful for the grace of my Lord and Savior who has blessed me with an awesome family and friends. God Speed!"
He is also survived by his sister Cyndy (Mike) Gofton and brother Scott (Patti) Schafer, many wonderful nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many, many special friends.
Funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Church, 5376 State St. in Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Rick Bokinskie will officiate with burial at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit the family on Sunday, April 28 from 2:00-8:00 pm and on Monday, April 29 from 4:00-8:00 pm at W. L. Case and Company, 201 N. Miller Rd. and at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. A vigil service will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 7:00 pm. Those planning an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers may wish to consider memorials to Saginaw County Right to Life and Michigan Right to Life General Fund.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
201 North Miller Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48609
