Richard C. Schafer

Jan. 20, 1921 - Sept. 15, 2005

Richard C. Schafer, 84, of South Bend, Ind., died following a brief illness on Thursday, Sept. 15, in his residence. Mr. Schafer was born January 20, 1921, in South Bend, to the late Otto H. and Bernie (Carey) Schafer, and had lived in South Bend all his life.

On May 15, 1945, in Sioux Falls, S.D., he married Betty Burke, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Barbara Burke Schafer of Mishawaka, Ind., and Susan Schafer (Denis) Garvey of Charlotte, N.C; two sisters, Kay Schafer and Alice McGowan, both of South Bend; 18 nieces and nephews; as well as many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Norman F. Schafer, and a sister, Margaret Miller.

Mr. Schafer retired in 1980 as vice president of Schafer Gear Works, a company started by his father in 1934. He was a member of the Morris Park Country Club for over 50 years and served as president. He was also a member of St. Joseph Lodge 45 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, Murat Shrine Temple, Indianapolis, and American Legion Post 303 in River Park.

Committal services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, in the Mausoleum Chapel of Riverview Cemetery, with Rev. Daniel J. Berger of First United Methodist Church officiating. Entombment will follow. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Sept. 18, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; or to the nation's first hospital hospitality house, Kevin's Hospitality House, 782 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

10/14/2025 EJS