Obituary of Lester Henry Schafer

Lester Henry Schafer was born on February 6, 1929 in Wyandotte, Michigan. He was born from the union of the late Arthur Karl and the late Clara Emma (Strochine) Schafer. Lester married the love of his life, Irene Agnes Reaume on June 3, 1950 at Trinity Church in Wyandotte, Michigan. From this union came the birth of their three children.

Lester grew up on the family farm in Southgate that he eventually took over, before moving to Carleton seventeen years ago and downsizing to a garden. He had a passion for old tractors and tinkering with them. Lester rode the Mackinaw tractor ride twice along with the Illinois tractor ride. He received his spiritual nourishment through St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waltz where he attended for several years. In his free time, Lester enjoyed euchre, working jigsaw puzzles and making those around him laugh with his jokes.

A loving husband and great father, he liked to cook delicious meals for his guests. Lester was an avid outdoorsman, hunting, farming and gardening. His passion for hunting led him out west for Antelope, Elk and Mule Deer; Canada for Moose; and up north for Whitetail Deer and Turkey. He was very handy, and was proud to have built the family cabin, a four-bedroom Chalet.

Lester Henry Schafer, age 88, of Carleton, Michigan passed away Friday, December 8, 2017 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of sixty-seven years: Irene; his children: Henry (Shirley) Schafer, Agnes (Brad) Dubke and Linda (David) Domingue; eleven grandchildren: Mark (Betty Jo) Schafer, Matthew (Angel) Schafer, John (Rachel) Schafer, Edward (Kim) Schafer, Chad (Patty) Dubke, Denise (Blaine) Lindemann, Eric (RoseAnn) Dubke, Kathy(Scott) Smith, Jennifer Domingue, Kenneth (Virginia) Domingue, and Stephen Domingue; step-granddaughter: Laura (Joe) Bullen; and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185. He will lie in state at 10:00am on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 28320 Waltz Road New Boston, MI with a funeral service following at 11:00am with Pastor Jeffrey Wade officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.