January 18, 2024 – Hartford, WI – Bernard C. Schaefer, 93, of Hartford, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024. Bernie was born May 9, 1930, in Fond du Lac, WI to Rose (nee Muelenbach) and Casper Schaefer and worked on the family farm in Dotyville with his parents and siblings until serving our country in the United States Air Force.
He was united in marriage to Joan M. Steinbarth on February 26, 1952, in Texas and preceded him in death in 1972.
He was united in marriage to Irene M. Szews, formerly Miller, on September 7, 1974.
Bernie, along with his brother Don, owned and operated Schaefer Tool Manufacturing retiring in 1999 but enjoyed working well beyond then. He also enjoyed the outdoors, planting trees, golfing, snowmobiling, and deer hunting on his property in Ladysmith.
Bernie was a longtime member of St. Hubert’s Catholic Parish in Hubertus
Bernie is survived by his loving children, Barbara Hock of Richfield, Leanne (Kevin) Cina of Iron Ridge, stepson Bruce (Karen) Miller of New Berlin, stepson-in-law, Walter Helleis of DeForest; 6 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren, and 2 step-great-grandchildren; dear brothers, Donald, Gerald and Harold Schaefer; sister-in-law, Vicky and brother’s-in-law, Don Payant and Marvin Grahl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved first wife of 20 years, Joan Schaefer; beloved wife of 42 years, Irene Schaefer; siblings, Alice, Jerome, Laverne, Walter, Herbert, Marian and Florence; sister’s-in-law, Thelma, Mary Jane, Connie, Kathy and Thelma; brother’s-in-law, Ruben Krebsbach and Alphonse Braun; stepdaughter, Sheryl Helleis; and granddaughter, Janelle Hock.
Private services were held. Inurnment in St. Hubert’s Cemetery, Hubertus, WI.
