Julius Allen Schafer

     Julius Allen Schafer, age 83, of Fowler, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at his home peacefully.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber presiding.  Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.  A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

     Julius was born in Westphalia, Michigan on June 16, 1939, the son of Louis and Matilda (Schlicht) Schafer.  Julius married Elizabeth "Betty" Simon on June 25, 1966, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia, MI.

     Julius retired from General Motors in 1996 after 35 years of service.  He enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, riding around checking the crops, and visiting with friends on the patio.  Most of all he loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He also enjoyed participating with the Fowler VFW in their honor guard.  Julius was member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI.  He will be remembered for his big smile and happy nature.

     He is survived by wife Betty Schafer; children: Allen and Kelly Schafer, Dale and Dana Schafer, Becky and Andy Beard, and Doug Schafer; grandchildren: Robby and Tatiana Schafer, Kenny and Nikki Schafer, Nicole and Brett Thelen, Alex Beard, Kayla Beard, Kyle Beard, Cody Bentley and Brandon Bentley, great-grandchildren: Lilly Bentley, Audree Thelen, Anna Schafer and new baby great-grandson this fall.  He is also survived by his siblings: Sister Pauline Schafer, Sister Caroline Schafer, Louis Schafer, Irene Ayles, Helen Thelen, twin sister Julia Schueller, Mary and Dave Antes; and sister-in-law Donna Schafer.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Leon Schafer, and is excited to meet his older brother Julius Schafer, and infant sister Mary Schafer.

     Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice, Fowler VFW or Fowler Fire and Rescue Squad.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.