William F. Schafer Jr.

William F. Schafer, Jr., age 86, of Jenison, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Elsie; children, Elaine and Jack Lewis; Garry and Donna Schafer; seven grandchildren; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donald and Ethel Wisse, Mildred Link. Bill retired after many years as a Lutheran pastor. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2018 at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church, 1571 Baldwin Street, Jenison with Rev. Joel Boot officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Potter’s House Christian School.

Leave Your Tribute Message

February 05, 2022

Don & I have thought of Pastor Shafer often as he married us, with Father Hienen, at St. Joe's in Oradell, NJ back in 1988 and Don grew up with him at Grace Lutheran in River Edge. he also batptized both of our son's at Grace Lutheran. He was a great Pastor and friend to all. Decided to "google" him today and found this. Not sure the family will see this, but Elsie and family, we are so sorry for your loss 3 years later, but still with our thoughts and prayers.

- Donna & Don Higinson

August 04, 2020

Donna I am not a Robot I am not Gumby and Damn it IM NOT GAY ! WHO TOOK MY WIFE ...? PLEASE..... WTF MONTVILLE ? BOONTOWN RATS AND CAR BRATS....IM TIRED OF OTHER PEOPLE GETTING PAID FOR MY WORK GENERALLY.... P.S. MY DEEPEST REGRETS... CHRISTOPHER BENDL

- Christopher Bendl

March 16, 2018

I grew up with Pastor Schafer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lindenwold,NJ. My mother (Mary) & I recall so many wonderful memories! Yes Liz , those sermon notes had slipped my mind, thanks! Pastor was a true man of God and played a mean baseball game at the American Legion post picnics! Camp Beisler with my childhood friend Elaine (would love to hear from you). The after dinner bible Q & A's on Sunday's made me nervous, but now looked upon fondly with humor! We have thought of you all often over the years and were saddened to hear of Pastors passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Elsie, Elaine, Garry and family! Love, Faith & Mary Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

- Faith (marum) Del Percio

March 05, 2018

Pastor Schafer was an amazing man. My mom, EllaMae Miller, (member at Good Shepherd in Lindenwold, NJ) still tells us about different conversations she had with Pastor Schafer way back in the 60's. I remember turning in summaries of his sermons each week while in confirmation classes. Our prayers go out to your family. God bless. Elizabeth (Miller) Baldwin

- Elizabeth Miller Baldwin

February 14, 2018

Such fond memories of serving as Pr. Schafer's music director in the early 1990's in River Edge. He was a dedicated pastor who cared deeply about the church and its people.

- Peggy Bendel

February 13, 2018

On behalf of American House we want to convey our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your Husband/Father. We want to thank you for the privilege of caring for him at Cherrywood & Sandalwood Manor. May God bless and comfort you as you grieve.

- Julie Ann Mesman, American House

February 13, 2018

Elsie...my prayers are with you...so many years have passed since we've seen each other, but family love traverses miles and time. Find comfort in our Lord and His promises and in your children and grandchildren. Till we all meet in heaven, love, Arlene

- Arlene Suzanne Faber (Wisse)

February 13, 2018

Elsie, you are surrounded by prayer...so many years since we have seen each other...but family love traverses miles and time. Find comfort in our Lord and His promises and in your children and grandchildren. Till we all meet in heaven, God bless you! Love, Arlene

- Arlene Suzanne Faber (Wisse)

February 12, 2018

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss Mrs. Schafer and Family. I know first hand how difficult it can be to cope so I pray that you find comfort in loving memories and photographs and one of my favorite scriptures because it talks about pain and death being done away with.- Revelation chapter 21 verse 4.

- Tara Broadway - Williams

February 11, 2018

So many wonderful memories with Uncle William and family from summers in western Pennsylvania and other times when visiting Grandma Schafer in eastern PA! Mom & Dad always had so much fun with Uncle Wm & Aunt Elsie.... Many loving thoughts go out to Aunt Elsie, Elaine & Garry at this difficult time. God's speed Uncle William.

- Claudia Ann Smith

February 11, 2018

Dedicated

- Cynthia Zoe Smith

February 11, 2018

My grandparents, William and Fannie Schafer, plus his sister Clara Mae Lasky were so proud of William when he went to Gettysburg College and then seminary. Being an ordained Lutheran Minister kept him busy at a few different churches in New Jersey for decades. William was so ddicted to his parishoners. From my perspective, it was a life well lived. Rest in Peace Uncle William. Love, Cyndy Zoe Smith, Columbia, MO

- Cynthia Zoe Smith