John Junior “George” Schaefer was born Jan. 3, 1932, in Lincoln, to Emma Schaefer and passed away on May 27, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 93 years.
John was raised by his grandparents, along with his aunts and uncles at the Schaefer farm north of Garland. He was baptized in Fremont and in 1946, he was confirmed at the St. John Lutheran Church in Garland.
John attended Oak Grove District 13 Country School and St. John Lutheran School in Garland. He graduated from Garland High School in 1951. John was an avid basketball player and played for Garland High School. He also played baseball for Garland. John was united in marriage to Joan Rezac in 1952. To this union, four children were born: Steve, Becky, Debby and Mike. John was united in marriage to Leola “Lee” Hall in 1983. John and Jane were united in marriage at Friedens United Church of Christ in 2004.
John was a member of Seward Nebraska National Guard, the 134 Infantry, 2 Battalion from 1951 to 1954, with the rank of Corporal, and was a Ready Reserve from 1954 to 1959. He was a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Oliver Lodge #38 and was Past Patron of the Seward Chapter #156 O.E.S.
John was a master mechanic and always had an interest in repairing any type of gas-powered engine, from lawnmowers to tractors, but especially any model of car. When he was young, he would go to the Garland dump, find an old car, drag it home, repair it and then sell it. He began his career as a mechanic working on tractors at Farmers Union, which was a John Deere Dealership in Seward. John also worked on semi-trucks in Lincoln for a short period of time. He then went to work for Rolfsmeier Motors, in Seward, where he was the “Tune-up and Automatic Transmission Specialist.”
While employed at Rolfsmeiers, John would attend many classes to update his knowledge on the new and upcoming models of cars. His knowledge of the automobile was staggering. He could work on anything from a Model T to a Corvette. For several years, he worked on race cars for his cousin, Les Schaefer. He could rebuild a carburetor or motor blindfolded. John retired from Rolfsmeier Motors, having worked there for 33 ½ years. He built lifelong friendships with fellow employees during his years at Rolfsmeier Motors.
John was also a “master” gardener. He enjoyed planting a huge garden and many photographs were taken each year of his proud harvest. John liked to hunt and enjoyed a good rabbit or pheasant cooked in the crock pot. He loved spending time with his family, taking rides and visiting relatives. He especially enjoyed helping his kids with projects, and visiting friends, including special friends, Dave and Doris Patterson. His “Mr. Fix-it” ability has been instilled in his children, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. We will miss his smile.
He was greeted in heaven by his mother; grandparents; wives, Joan Schaefer and Leola “Lee” Schaefer; son, Michael Schaefer; granddaughter, Leslie Schaefer; son-in-law, James “Jim” Aegerter; step-sons, Scott Sorensen and Frank Hall; stepdaughter, Carolee Claxton Hughes; step-grandson, Randy Hall and a host of other family and friends.
John is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jane Schaefer; son, Steven (Debra) Schaefer of Marquette; daughters, Becky (Walter/Duff) Campbell of Seward, and Debby Aegerter of Seward; grandchildren, Christy (Derek) Farnstrom, James Campbell, Brian (Cassie) Campbell, and Clint (Taylor) Aegerter; great-grandchildren, Riley Farnstrom, Brody Campbell, Lucas Campbell, Jackson Campbell, and Marciella “Mac” Campbell; brother and sister-in-law, Susan Thomas and Doug Erickson; step-children, Jon Hall and Tracy Leifert; step-grandchildren, Gary Claxton, Greg Hall, Ben Claxton, Trish Leifert, Caleb Vercellino, Madison Leifert, A’dalyn Sorensen, Audrey Morris, Tavyn Sorensen and Tyler Schroeder; and step-great-grandchildren, Jazlyn Egger, Brayden Hall and Justin Claxton.
Visitation is Monday, June 16, from 1 – 8 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral home with family receiving friends from 6:30 – 8 p.m. A memorial service will be Tuesday, June 17, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with inurnment following at the Seward Cemetery.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
