Karl R. Schaefer Sr.

Karl R. Schaefer Sr., age 92 of Lomax, Illinois, died at 1:25 A.M. Monday October 13, 2014 at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. He was born October 25, 1921 in Burlington, Iowa, the son of William and Lette Nist Schaefer, the youngest of five children. He graduated from Burlington High School before enlisting in the Army. After completing basic training, he married Marietta Kleinkopf on June 17, 1944 in Gainsville, Texas. He was in the Engineers Division and served in Europe during World War II.

After the war, Karl worked for a rail delivery service and a bakery, before becoming a pressman, retiring from Craftsmans Press in 1986. He also co-owned and operated Schaefers Dairy Sweet in Lomax from 1959 to 1984. He enjoyed big band music, tap dancing, watching the Lawrence Welk Show, and all sports, especially, the Chicago Cubs. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was affectionately known by his family as the Sidewalk Supervisor and the PR Man for Schaefers Dairy Sweet. He was a member of the Dallas City American Legion and the Lomax Christian Church.

Survivors include five sons, James Schaefer of Mount Pleasant, IA, Tim Schaefer of Burlington, IA, Thomas (Rita) Schaefer of Dallas City, and Jonathan (Cathy) Schaefer and Karl (Sarah) Schaefer Jr., both of Lomax, IL, nine grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, two grandsons, two brothers and two sisters.

The memorial service for Mr. Schaefer will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday October 18, 2014 in the Lomax Christian Church. Burial, with military rites, will be in the Carman Cemetery in Carman, IL. Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. Friday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Memorials have been established for Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab of Stronghurst, Lomax Christian Church, and Great River Hospice House. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.