Donald J. Schaefer

Donald J. Schaefer, of Waukesha, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, March 21, 2016 at age 61. He was born in Waukesha on September 8, 1954 the son of Vyron and Mary “Lorna” (nee Koenig) Schaefer. On October 10, 1980 he married Patricia “Patty” Orlopp and they were members of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. For the past 20 years, Don worked for Honeywell Int’l as a program planner. He loved cars and was an avid baseball and football fan and huge fan of Wisconsin sports, especially the Brewers and Packers. Don was devoted to his family and work, and loved his wife, sons and grandsons more than anything. He will always be remembered for his simple nature, generous heart and quiet presence.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 35 years, Patty of Waukesha; his two sons of whom he was extremely proud, Michael (Heather) Schaefer of Hartland and Jacob (Nicole Sullivan) Schaefer of Bellevue, IA; two cherished grandsons Connor and Ryder Schaefer; his mother Lorna Schaefer of Waukesha; brothers Paul (Shirley) Schaefer of Decatur, IL, Gerald (Barbara) Schaefer of Waukesha, Timothy (Karen) Schaefer of Waukesha, Rick (Chris) Schaefer of Waukesha and Randall (Brenda) Schaefer of Waukesha and his sister Barbara (Tom) Lepkowski of Plover. He is further survived by his mother-in-law Beverly Orlopp of Waukesha, his brothers-in-law Michael and Mark Orlopp along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Vyron, his father-in-law Ray Orlopp and brother-in-law Peter Orlopp.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 28, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the 7:00 p.m. vigil service at the Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. Visitation continues on Tuesday, March 29th at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2400 W. State Hwy 59, Waukesha, WI 53189 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass. Father Curt Frederick will preside. Entombment will immediately follow at Prairie Home Cemetery. Memorials in Donald’s name are appreciated to St. John Neumann Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society, N19 W24350 Riverwood Dr., Waukesha, WI 53188.

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.