Ralph F. Schaefer, of Sunman, was born on May 6, 1933 in New Alsace, the son of Alfred and Bertha Brickler Schaefer. After graduation from Sunman High School he served his country in the United States Army. Ralph married Gayle Hornberger on September 17, 1956 at St. Paul Catholic Church in New Alsace and she survives. He worked in carpentry and concrete construction for Floyd Werner, and was a member of the St. Leon Post #464 American Legion, and the North Dearborn Conservation Club. He also served on the Dearborn County Beverage Board and was an active member of the Democratic Party, helping with voter registration and polling. His family fondly remembers stories about their Dad playing football in the Army and his secret fishing holes. Ralph had a wonderful goetta recipe, liked planting potatoes and could easily be found since he was always humming. He loved frying chicken, playing cards, golfing, hunting and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. On Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the age of 83, he passed away at his residence.
Those surviving who will cherish Ralph’s memory include his wife of over 60 years, Gayle Schaefer; children, Kristy (John) Miller of Brookville, Lisa (Ken) Mosmeier of Sunman, Kim (David) Craig of Lawrenceburg, Shari (Jeff) Sterwerf of Sunman, and Kelley (Randy) Fuernstein of Brookville; grandchildren, Jonathan Mosmeier, Joshua Craig, Brittany Craig, Aaron Sterwerf, Kaitlin Sterwerf, and Colton Fuernstein; siblings, Harry Schaefer of Weisburg, Robert Schaefer of Batesville, Rosemary Conrad of Cincinnati, Lester Schaefer of Milton, and Ray Schaefer of Batesville. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Alfred Schaefer, Jr., John Schaefer, Elmer Schaefer, Eugene Schaefer and Bertha Mae Pfliegel.
Friends may visit with the family on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman. Rev. John Kamwendo will officiate a Mass of Christian burial on Tuesday at St. Peters Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors provided by the St. Leon Post #464 American Legion will follow in St. Jacob’s Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sunman Life Squad or the North Dearborn Conservation Club. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Ralph Schaefer.