Karl Schaefer

Karl William Schaefer, 57, of De Pere WI, passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2021. Karl was born in Louisiana to Gerald and Lillian Schaefer. He did his growing up in Richmond VA, graduating from John R. Tucker High School in 1982.

After graduating from high school, Karl proudly and honorably served in the United States Navy from March of 1983 to March of 1989. He was in the Nuclear field as an Electricians' Mate and in his time, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class promotable to Petty Officer First Class. The Nuclear Power School he attended for this rating has a very high academic attrition rate and is considered by many to be one of the most academically challenging schools in the U.S. Military. After his arduous schooling, he spent time aboard the Charles F. Adams and then he was aboard the USS Nimitz for two deployments all around the globe. Throughout his service, he achieved a First Good Conduct Award, Navy Achievement Medal and Third Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. After his Military service, Karl became a Production and Nuclear Planner for Newport News Shipbuilding. Karl spent the last 25 plus years of his career as a SAS software consultant, writing code for many Fortune 500 companies. 

Karl’s memory will live on with his loving wife of 13 years, Melissa (Lisa) Schaefer and his 3 sons, Kristopher Schaefer and partner Brooke Suttle, Kurt Schaefer and wife Alexandra Schaefer and Klayton Schaefer, his grandchildren Greyson Schaefer and Jamison Carroll as well as a soon-to-be granddaughter (who is due any day), his in-laws, Richard and Michelle Ohlrogge, Stacy (Ohlrogge) and Bob Dahowski, his stepsons, Matthew Fisher (Laura Grovogel) and Chad Fisher (Bridgette Binczak), his very dear aunt Donna Fetterman, his former wife, Katherine Rhodes, as well as his childhood friend, Phillip Tidwell.

Karl was proceeded in death by both of his parents, Gerald Schaefer and Lillian Schaefer, paternal grandparents, William Schaefer Jr. and Annale Schaefer, maternal grandparents, Riley Harper Palmer and Henrie Oscar Palmer and his uncle "Fuzz" Fetterman. 

Karl was a brilliant and reserved man who loved any sort of brain teaser he could get his hands on. He could always come up with quirky zingers at a moment’s notice that would make anybody chuckle. He embraced every dog he ever met, especially his pride and joy, Shuster the Schaefer Schnoodle. Karl was a man of strong principles and morals, who was very discerning with his words; he was the most kind, loving, caring and thoughtful husband that a spouse could ask for. Karl was an amazing and proud father who never passed up an opportunity to teach his sons a meaningful lesson, even if they could not yet comprehend the meaning for years.

At Karl’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, the family asks that you think of fond memories you had with Karl.