Gerald H. "Jerry" Schaeffer

Gerald H. "Jerry" Schaeffer, 62, of Springfield died Saturday, May 10, 2008 at St. John's Hospital Hospice. He was born on November 13, 1945 in Booneville, MO, the son of Gene and Mary Schaeffer. He married Linda Peterson Bader in 1997 in St. Louis. Dr. Schaeffer was a Professor of Psychology at Lincoln Land Community College and a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Springfield. His doctorate was earned at the University of Missouri in 1978, and subsequently he worked as an educator and administrator at St. Louis Community College, Blackburn College, and Lincoln Land Community College, where he was Associate Dean of Instruction, Psychology Department Chairperson, and Social Sciences Department Chairperson, respectively. As a psychologist, he also served as Coordinator of Psychology Intern Training for St. Louis Metropolitan Psychiatric Hospital, and as Director of the United Behavioral Health Clinic West in St. Louis. He was a member of the American Psychological Association, and had received a number of recognitions, including a Distinguished Service Award for his administrative work at Lincoln Land Community College. Survivors: wife, Linda; two step-sons, Eric (wife, Vicki) Bader and Scott (wife, Michelle) Bader; mother, Mary Schaeffer; two brothers, Eugene (wife, Sally) Schaeffer, Jr. and Russell (wife, Deanna) Schaeffer; two nephews, Travis and Wesley Schaeffer; and five grandchildren. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center preceding memorial ceremonies. A memorial ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. followed by a memorial gathering until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.