Bernard Jerome Schafer

Jerome was born December 24, 1928, to Martin and Esther Schafer and was the eldest son. He graduated from Fowler High School in 1947, after which Jerome was drafted and served in the Army during the Korean War. Once he came home from Korea, he worked as a carpenter for his father’s company, Martin Schafer and Sons and eventually took over and owned the business with his brother Paul, renaming it Schafer Brothers Builders. Jerome was a true craftsman framing homes his entire life right up through his early 90’s.

Jerome was also a gifted piano player and blessed so many with the talent he had been given. He never took one lesson, just simply played from memory. Up until two months ago, he played piano for the residents at Gunnisonville Meadows every Wednesday, bringing joy to all within earshot. One evening back in 1953, his band was playing at a dance when he spotted the soon to be love of his life, Trudy Schmitz. They were wed October 23, 1954, and were married just 10 days shy of 70 years. Jerome was looking forward to celebrating that milestone.

He was an outstanding example of the value and importance of humble hard work and whole-hearted dedication to his faith and his family. His faithfulness to God was evident to all who knew him. Jerome was an active member of the Catholic Community of St. Jude, where he served in many roles over the years. Jerome was generous with his time, talent, and service to others. Quiet lessons of honor, service, and integrity were taught by example and live on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The legacy he and Trudy created together for 70 years will be remembered by hundreds of family members, friends, neighbors, and the countless people he and his crew built homes for.

He loved his 1914 Model T and blessed so many taking them on rides for fun, event celebrations, and parades. Jerome also enjoyed playing in his band for many years called the Mello Tones, playing barn dances, weddings, and for many more happy occasions. He also loved it when anyone stopped by their home and was always ready to play cards or watch some football with family and friends.

He is survived by his precious wife of 70 years, Gertrude "Trudy" Schafer, daughters Audrey (Steve) Barr, Therese (Jack) Bray, Leslie Schafer-Yabs, and sons Joseph (Jennifer) Schafer, and Michael (Ann) Schafer. He was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren and was aware of another on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Schafer and Mark Schafer, sister Georgianne Ward, grandson Charles Barr, and son-in-law Mark Olds.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, October 18, 2024 at Catholic Community of St. Jude with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. The Rite of Committal will follow at Dewitt City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 4:00-8:00 pm on Thursday with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 pm.