Gerald Paul Schafer

      Gerald Paul Schafer, age 82, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. 

      A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 24, 2024, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 2-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Vigil and Rosary will be held at the funeral home at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday.

    Gerald was born in Fowler, Michigan on January 13, 1942, the son of Joseph and Dora (Schueller) Schafer. Gerald married the love of his life, Susanne Cashen on November 12, 1963 in Hubbardston, MI. They were blessed with 31 years of marriage before Susanne's passing on October 10, 1995.

      Gerald was an amazing dad and looked forward to spending time with his family and was often heard cracking a joke or telling his kids "your ass sucks buttermilk" or "you're a sharp shooter" when his kids didn't take his much needed advice or if they needed a smile. He will be greatly missed by his family. 

      Gerald retired from General Motors after many years of service. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors. Gerald looked forward to traveling with his family and spending time at his cottage on Lost Lake. Gerald could fix anything and could often be found tinkering in his pole barn. He was an avid Michigan State and Detroit Tiger Fan. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His faith meant a lot to him and he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. 

    He is survived by his children:   Barb and Louis Longoria of St. Johns, Steve Schafer of St. Johns, Dale and Donna Schafer of St. Johns, Brian and Sandra Schafer of Pleasant Lake, Becky and Jeremy Swender of Ovid.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Justin (Megan) Longoria, Jacob Longoria, Alissa Longoria (Robert), Chelsea (Zach) Rudat, Michael Schafer, Samantha Schafer, Ashley Schafer, Matthew Romanek, Brandon Romanek, Brandon Swender, Joshua Swender, and Katelyn Swender (Jacob),   and great grandchildren: Kaden, Easton, Liam, and Charlie.  He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Dora Schafer, the love of his life Susanne Schafer, son Randy Schafer, grandson Brian Nicholas Schafer, five sisters, and six brothers.

     The family would like to thank Gerald's wonderful caregivers, Jennifer, Stan, Tina, Karla, and Pam. 

     Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.