Donald A. Schaefer, 71, of Staunton, died Monday, July 20, 2020, at 4:30 a.m. at his residence.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran School gymnasium in Staunton. All COVID-19 guidelines will be observed during this visitation period. A private memorial service will be held at a later date and private interment will be held in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO, with full military honors.
Mr. Schaefer was born July 5, 1949, in Alton, the son of the late Lawrence J. and Elvita B. (Sauerwein) Schaefer. He married Laurie S. Coyne on Nov. 18, 1972, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, and she survives.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, was a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient and a 50-year member of the American Legion Post #564 in Worden, where he was a Past Commander.
A steelworker for Granite City Steel for 43 years, he was a member of the Steelworkers Union. He was also a past member and past Elder at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton.
He coached boys basketball for 15 years for Zion Lutheran School in Staunton. He also coached boys basketball for two years at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Staunton, freshman boys basketball at Staunton High School for two years; JV boys basketball at Staunton High School for four years, and girls volleyball for two years at Staunton High School, where he was named the Small School Volleyball Coach of the Year by the Alton Telegraph. He also assisted his son, Chris, with the Trinity Lutheran School girls basketball program in Edwardsville.
He enjoyed playing golf and going to Cardinals baseball games. His greatest love was spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren’s activities and sporting events.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Christopher Schaefer of Edwardsville, Patrick (Amy) Schaefer of Litchfield and Ian (Tara) Schaefer of Newark, OH; five grandchildren, Meara and Elle Schaefer, Shaun Schaefer and Lillyan and Owen Schaefer; one brother, Larry (Donna) Schaefer of Staunton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran School Athletic Department, 220 W. Henry St., Staunton, IL 62088, or Trinity Lutheran School Athletic Department, 600 Water St., Edwardsville, IL 62025.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsonfh.com.
