Mr. Schaefer worked as a truck driver for 45 years, was a member of the Teamsters Local 50, as well as a member of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Norman was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the American Legion.
Norman was an avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching all sports. Norman also was very active with Khoury League in its early years, enjoyed playing golf, and could be found at the stock car races on the weekends.
During Norman and Helen’s 50 year marriage, they were very devoted parents and enjoyed bowling, dancing, auto racing, and especially family time.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, nee Fietsam, Schaefer, whom he married on September 14, 1948, and who passed away March 16, 1998; a daughter, Dawn Chitwood; his parents, Joseph J. and Eva M., nee Merklin, Schaefer; siblings, Joseph Jr. (Johanna), Charles (Helen), Leo, Al (Margaret), Cletus (Mary Ann), Julius, Eleanora (Pete) Arnold, Eva (Frank) Boegle, Helen Schaefer, Louise (Lee) Falbe; a brother-in-law, Wayne Fietsam; sisters- in-law, Gladys (Carl) Sillman and Joyce Krakosky; and special friend, Jeanne Dobbs.
Surviving are a daughter, Donna L. (Kenneth) Kinsella of Belleville, IL;
a son, Mark (Linda) Schaefer of Millstadt, IL;
a son-in-law, Michael Chitwood of Collinsville, IL;
five grandchildren, Paul (Tabitha) Kinsella,
Michelle (Josh) Restivo,
Andrew (Michelle) Chitwood,
Angela (Eric) Bruce,
and Casey Schaefer;
six great-grandchildren, Samantha, Victoria, Amber, Violet, Riley, and Zachary;
sisters-in law, Audrey Schaefer and Judy Fietsam;
a brother-in-law Chuck Krakosky;
as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society or to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. John Myler officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
Condolences Left For Norman W. Schaefer
Mark, Linda & Casey: We are so sorry to hear about Norm. He was a great guy and I will always remember going back to the house on Menard Street after the races and enjoying your parents. Thanks for the great memories Norm.
Gary & Sharon Groom
Sharon Groom, Largo, Florida, 33778
Deepest Sympathy to the entire Schaefer Family on the loss of Norman. Terry and Bev Knoth
Terry Knoth, Belleville, IL, 62221