Obituary of Joseph "Joe" David Schaefer

Joseph David Schaefer, 86, passed away on July 9, 2022, in the Colorado Springs, Colo., home he shared with his loving wife of 61 years Charlene Kathryn (Shoup) Schaefer. 

Born to Joseph Francis Schaefer and Patricia Hale Schaefer on April 27, 1936, in Owatonna, Minn. Joe graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1958 with a ROTC Commission in the United States Air Force. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He and Charlene lived – and loved – the military life criss-crossing the country and Europe with assignments in Ohio, Texas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Stuttgart, Germany, while raising their four children. 

Joe retired from the Air Force in 1980, and the family settled in Colorado Springs (a favorite vacation spot). Joe’s “second” career included 10 years at Kaman Sciences in Colorado Springs, marketing and website consulting and Executive Director of Discovery Job Network. 

Joe’s favorite job in life was that of “Papa” to his 10 grandchildren. He combined his love of family and golf as a long-time volunteer for the Junior Golf Program at the AFA”s Eisenhower Golf Course – Papa was so proud to show off all of his young golfing grandkids as they came through the program! 

Joe is survived by his wife of 61 years Charlene Kathryn (Shoup) Schaefer of Colorado Springs, sisters Mary Pat Middleton of Marshall, Minn., Nancy Schaefer Morgan and husband Dan of La Grange Park, Ill., and brother Stephen Mark Schaefer of Plymouth, Minn., four children and 10 grandchildren:

Daughter Juliene Schaefer Miller and husband Michael of Monument, Colo. Granddaughters Dr. Sarah Miller Helwege and husband Josh, Hannah Miller Poole and husband Captain Brennen Poole and Emily Grace Miller.

Daughter Elizabeth Schaefer DeSimone and husband Mike of Highlands Ranch, Colo., granddaughters Nicole Marie DeSimone, Rachel Kathryn DeSimone and grandson Ryan Michael DeSimone.

Son Stephen Joseph Schaefer of Colorado Springs, grandson Adam Joseph Schaefer and wife Emma and granddaughter Meghan Elizabeth Schaefer.

Son David James Schaefer and wife Suzanne of Marietta, Ga., granddaughter Margaret Grace Schaefer and grandson Matthew David Schaefer.

A Memorial Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Colorado Springs was held on Aug. 17, 2022, with inurnment immediately following. The Memorial Mass can be viewed online here: https://youtu.be/xhRu6d4rKvQ

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory can be made to Abode Hospice of Colorado, which administered compassionate care and comfort to Joe and all his loved ones.

Abode Hospice of Colorado

5465 Mark Dabling Blvd, Floor 1

Colorado Springs, CO 80918