Leroy John Schaefer

Leroy John Schaefer


Leroy John Schaefer of Millstadt, Illinois entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at his home, having attained the age of 84 years, 3 months and 15 days.

Born in Paderborn, Illinois on October 6, 1931, he was the son of Joseph and Hattie Schaefer, Nee Ripley. He was united in marriage to Lucille "Lucy" Virginia Herrmann on June 12, 1954 at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, Illinois and to this union four children were born. She preceded him in death on April 3, 2015.

Leroy had a great passion and talent for building homes and working with his hands. He founded L. J. Schaefer Construction Company in 1955 and dedicated his life's work to building quality homes for over 50 years. In retirement he developed his favorite hobby of restoring Ford Model A's and street rods. Leroy was a member of the St. Louis Model A Club, Metro East Car Club, Belleville Carpenter's Union and Operator's Union. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a wonderful mentor to his family and friends. His immense knowledge, patient teaching and quick wit will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Preceding him in death besides his wife, Lucy were his parents; his daughter, Mary Lou Schaefer in infancy; his sisters, Lucille Hookway and Dorothy Orlet and his brother, Cyril Schaefer.

Left to mourn his passing are his children, Cathy (Dale) Rapp-Hines, Carol (Kevin Schaller) Schaefer and James (Julie) Schaefer, all of Millstadt, Illinois; his grandchildren, Chad Rapp of Millstadt, Illinois, Ashley (Tom) Bridges of Freeburg, Illinois, Brittany Schaefer of Cincinnati, Ohio, Joseph Schaefer and Travis Schaller, both of Millstadt, Illinois; his step-grandchildren, Leatta (Steve) Phillips of Wildwood, Missouri and Darren (Tammy) Hines of Columbia, Illinois; his great-granddaughter, Vivian Lucille Bridges; his sister, Eleanore Gruelle of Belleville, Illinois; his sister-in-law, Ruth Herrmann of Millstadt, Illinois, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church, the St. Clair County Humane Society or the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and will be received at the funeral home.

Friends may call on Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and on Monday, January 25, 2016 from 9:00 A.M. to 9:45 A.M. at the Creason Funeral Home in Millstadt, Illinois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, Illinois with Monsignor Marvin Volk and Father Kenneth Schaefer officiating.

Interment will follow in St. James Catholic Cemetery in Millstadt, Illinois.

The Creason Funeral Home in Millstadt, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.