Gerald William Schaefer

Gerald William Schaefer — known affectionately as Jerry or Schaefer — was born May 16, 1947, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Gerald Anthony Schaefer and Anna Paulina Rieger. He entered the presence of his Lord on December 6, 2025, in Waynesboro, Virginia, surrounded by immeasurable love.

Jerry spent his early childhood on two Nebraska farms before moving to South Sioux City at age eight. He graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1965 and, after working as a butcher, went on to earn his degree in Economics from the University of South Dakota.

In 1971, Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Thompson), beginning 54 years of partnership, laughter, faith, and devotion. In his own words, his greatest goal in life was “to make you happy and love me more,” a promise he fulfilled every day of their marriage.

Jerry’s professional life brought him to Salem, Virginia, where he joined General Electric in their financial management program. He traveled widely as part of the audit staff — across the U.S. and as far as Colombia and Turkey — and grew into a respected corporate finance leader. Through changes from GE to Martin Marietta in 1992 and then to Lockheed Martin in 1995, he remained a steady presence and gifted guide to many. He retired in 2001 as a CFO of Lockheed Martin, known equally for his intelligence and his uncommon ability to develop and care for people.

A man of many passions, Jerry approached life with curiosity, humor, and joy. He was a Bridge master, enthusiastic golfer, fisherman, and a birdwatcher with over 500 birds on his life list. He loved fantasy and sci-fi novels, games, and music — especially Christian worship that often brought tears to his eyes. He sang, he laughed, and he cooked — an extraordinary chef whose Sunday meals gathered family, friends, stories, and love around the table.

Jerry lived his faith with a gentle boldness. He taught Sunday School, supported Cru campus ministry, and carried Christ’s love into every conversation. Even near the end of his life, prayer was his language — after being prayed for by a chaplain, he held the pastor’s hand and insisted on praying for him in return. He requested one final dialysis session not for himself, but so he could say goodbye to the staff he loved — the same team he once surprised dressed as the Easter Bunny, handing out candy to brighten their day. His kindness was creative, joyful, and deeply rooted in compassion.

Mary and Jerry had four children and nine grandchildren, who each were a source of great joy and pride. Jerry is survived by his wife Mary; his children Christopher, Ann, Mark, and Paul; their spouses Rob, Jen, Elena, and Katie; and his grandchildren Emma, Cynthia, Audrey, Lillian, Jonathan, Sara, Abby, Phoebe, and Jude. He is also survived by mother Anna and his sisters Rita, Doris, and Linda, and is reunited in heaven with his sister Paula, who passed away ten years prior.

He was a man of humor — cheeks turning bright red with laughter — a man of generosity, a man who drew others in with warmth, curiosity, and a twinkle in his eye. He loved God. He loved his family. He loved people. And we, who were loved so well by him, are forever changed because he was ours.

His legacy is not only in what he accomplished, but in the love he lived. We remember him with gratitude, pride, and joy — a great man, a faithful servant, a heart like Christ’s.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 W. Main St., Waynesboro with Pastor Jamie McClanahan officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com