Michael Schaefer

Mike is predeceased and now reunited with his wife Dora (née Hofbauer) Schaefer (2019), and brother Franz (Gertrud) who lived in Germany.

He is survived by his children Arlene (Vic) and Randy (Sue). Proud grandfather to Rob (Ashley) and Evan (Kristine). Loving great grandfather to Mika, Myles, Maddie, and Nori.

In Mike's words: "I was born on March 13, 1932 in Doroslo, Yugoslavia. The war had an early effect on my life -- my first 5 years of school were in 3 different languages and countries. At age 12 my father passed away. Six months later with my mother and brother we fled our home as refugees. For the next 3 1/2 years my family moved around Europe. In 1947, we escaped from East Germany and immediately applied to immigrate to Canada.

"At age 16, I arrived in Kitchener with my mother, but my brother remained behind for medical reasons. For the first year I worked on a tobacco farm where I met my future wife and we married in 1953. I learned about night school and spent many years taking courses and upgrading my education. At work I was always ready for the next promotion.

"At Snyder Furniture I trained in upholstering and became foreman of the department by age 22. Two years later I was transferred to the office. Throughout my career I was a purchasing agent, did cost accounting, and held different levels of management. At age 62 I retired from Klassen Bronze in New Hamburg as plant manager.

"My wife Dora and I had an active retirement enjoying golf, cross country skiing, square dancing, travelling and doing volunteer work."

Mike also enjoyed wood carving and made many cute animal figures. His favourite pastime was cards at the community centre, and he continued to attend right into 2025. He was adamant that he would stay living in his own house and lucky to achieve this goal.

At Mike's request there will be no visitation and a private family funeral service has been held. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge St., Suite 1200, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, or to the Parkinson Society, 4096 Meadowbrook Dr., #123, London, ON N6L 1G4. Arrangements entrusted to Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, Kitchener, (519-743-8900). Online condolences at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com