Victor Gregory Schaefer

Victor was born in Manitowoc, WI, on April 6, 1936, son of the late Victor J. Schaefer and Catherine A. Wergin-Schaefer.

Victor was a graduate of Lincoln High School, in Manitowoc, WI, and joined the U.S. Navy in 1956. Some of Vic’s fondest memories were of his naval service, while serving on the USS Chukawan (AO-100), stationed out of Norfolk, VA. The USS Chukawan was a fleet oiler, sailing to fuel ships operating in exercises along the east coast, transporting oil products overseas, and carrying oil from producing regions. Among her most important duties were her cruises with the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Vic received an honorable discharge in 1959, as a GM2, and was transferred to reserve status.

Victor moved to Arizona in the 1970’s, where he enjoyed a very successful career in partnering and managing various car dealerships in Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale (e.g., Toyota, Honda, etc.). Vic was a “natural born” salesman and a charismatic storyteller with an arsenal of amusing tales about his adventures in the “car sales” arena. One thing is for sure… Vic was never at a loss for words! Anyone who purchased a car from one of his dealerships would admittedly confess that once you were sitting in his sales office…it was almost guaranteed you would leave as a proud owner of one of his cars. It seems no one was immune to his charm, whether you were family, friend, acquaintance, or walk-in! He had you at “Hello, I’m Vic Schaefer and do I have a deal for you!” But, the amazing thing is, he did have a deal for you, and as a result of his expertise as an extraordinary and honest “salesman” over his career many of his customers tended to be repeat buyers!

Survivors include his wife, Frances Schaefer, Surprise, AZ; a step-daughter Mari (Beth) Soliday, Flagstaff, AZ; two step-grandsons Jonah and Jace Soliday, Austin, TX; two sisters Joan Nelson, Manitowoc, WI, and Nancy Borcalli, Oracle, AZ; and a brother Dean Schaefer (Deborah) of Manitowoc, WI. Also surviving Victor are numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends. Victor was preceded by two brothers, Gene Schaefer (1976) and Lloyd Schaefer (2016).

Victor’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Donald Cramer (nephew), who was by Vic’s bedside on a daily basis during his extended time in the hospital, rehab, and hospice, and also to Maria and her staff at Curtiss Care Homes in Surprise, AZ.

Services currently have not been scheduled. Donations in Victor's name can be made to the Veterans Club or American Legion Club in Surprise, Prescott, or Cave Creek, AZ.

John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Job 19: 25 “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”