Ronald Martin Schafer, age 74, of 4 Parkway Drive, Gladstone passed away Monday, August 2, 2010 at his home surrounded by family.
Ronald was born March 28, 1936 in Nahma, Michigan, the son of Douglas and Marciel (Ballenger) Schafer. Ronald was raised in the Gladstone area and graduated from the Gladstone High School. Shortly after graduation Ronald joined the United States Air Force, retiring in 1973 after 20 years of service to his country. He received numerous medals and citations. Ronald was united in marriage to Sharon Ollila on June 17, 1967 in Newell, South Dakota, not far from the Air Force Base he was currently stationed at. Ronald returned to the Gladstone area in 1973 and continued to work, as a truck driver for Wagner Transportation for over 20 years and as a driver for the DATA Bus Company. Ronald was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone as well as the Knights of Columbus and the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Ronald liked to hunt and fish and was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and the Green Bay Packers. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by many family and friends.
Ronald is survived by:
His wife, Sharon Schafer of Gladstone
Six daughters: Teri (Bryan) Parks of Knob Noster, Missouri; Patricia (Jim) Hankins of Sedalia, Missouri; Gail (Dave) Koehler of Knob Noster, Missouri; Susie Palomo of Independence, Missouri; Sherry Marjean Schafer-Findley of Escanaba, Michigan; Deborah (Larry) Schaub of Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Two sons: Ronald "Joe" (Marjorie) Schafer of Gladstone, Michigan; Tim Schafer of Gladstone, Michigan
18 Grandchildren
25 Great Grandchildren
One sister: Marcy (Jack) Deneau of Marquette, Michigan
One brother: Jeff (Melody) Schafer of Wichita, Kansas
One sister-in-law: Ann Schafer of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Douglas Schafer; his sister-in-law, Colleen Schafer and two great grandchildren, Faith Hurd and Keegan Palomo.
Ronald's family will receive friends on Thursday, August 5 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 6:30 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Father Arnold Grambow officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following services in the fellowship hall at the All Saints Catholic Church. Committal services will be held on Friday, August 6 at 8:00 AM at the Fernwood Cemetery followed by Military Rites presented by the United States Air Force in conjunction with the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Memorial contributions in Ronald's name may be directed to OSF Hospice.
