Ralph Johny Schafer Jr.

Ralph Johny Schafer Jr. was born on February 28, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ralph Sr. and Patricia (Hobson) Schafer. Ralph was affectionately known as Junior by his family. Ralph was a hard-working man that believed in providing for his family. He worked for General Electric as a lead motor winder from 1968 to 2006. Ralph shared twenty-one years of marriage with Barbara. During their union they welcomed Ralph J. Schafer III and Laura Leigh Schafer. Ralph believed in acts of community service. He joined the Pyramid Lodge in 1979 and later went on to become worshipful master of his Lodge. He found his passion in helping children when he joined the Shriners. He enjoyed being a part of the Motor Patrol. During his years with the Shriners, he lovingly sponsored several children through the Shriners Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri. Ralph was married to Jerry Ann from May 23, 1992, until her passing on February 26, 2018. While Ralph lived and worked in St. Louis, his heart belonged in Salem, Missouri, where he enjoyed fond memories of his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Upon retirement he moved to Salem where he resided until 2023. He joined the Sons of the American Legion at the Walker Roney Post. Ralph proudly served as Honor Guard until the decline of his health. Ralph had a passion for all things outdoors, such as barbequing, gardening, fishing, or hunting. He loved talking about Nascar. Ralph liked to play board games and was always ready for a good card game with his family. Ralph “Junior” Schafer was called home on September 3, 2023, in Marine Illinois, at the age of seventy-five years. He will be greatly missed by his loving daughter: Laura Schafer of Marine, IL; son: Ralph Schafer III of Missouri; grandchildren: Madison, Jacob, and Zachary of Marine, IL; stepson: Robin Morgan of St. Louis, MO; sister: Susan Myers and husband Anthony of St. Louis, MO; brother: Brian Schafer of Salem, MO; significant other: Stephanie Cowan of Salem, MO; lifelong love: Barbara Boyer of Marine, IL; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Ralph is preceded in death by his wife: Jerry Ann Schafer; and his parents: Ralph and Patricia Schafer. Ralph was always willing to lend a helping hand, listen, offer advice, or just sit in silence and have an ice-cold Natural Light with you. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to the Shriners Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri. Funeral Services for Ralph Johny Schafer Jr. were held Saturday, September 9, 2023, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with the Masonic Lodge and Laura Schafer speaking. Song selections played were “Drink A Beer” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain”. Serving as Pallbearers were Jacob Taylor, Zachary Taylor, James Myers, Corey Schafer, and Brendan Mattison. Burial was in the Green Forest Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Ralph Johny Schafer Jr.

February 28, 1948 - September 3, 2023