Dennis Henry Schaefer

Dennis Henry Schaefer, 96, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 5, 2018. He was born on October 8, 1921, in Bonnots Mill, Missouri, the son of the late Steve and Catherine Frances (Backes) Schaefer. He was married on May 9, 1942, in Loose Creek to Wilma C. Bonnot, who preceded him in death on June 24, 2008. A veteran of World War II, he served in the United States Army with the 71st Airborne Engineer Battalion where he was stationed in Guam for three years. He began his career working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad before entering the Army from November 4, 1942 through November 20, 1945. He returned to St. Louis and worked for Fisher Body Shop. In 1947 he moved to Bonnots Mill when he began working for his father-in-laws farm until he returned to the Missouri Pacific Railroad. In 1949 he began working as a roofer for U.S. and Gentges Inc. until he retired in 1983. Lastly, he worked for Capital Mall until he retired completely in 1996. After his retirement, he volunteered at the Cole County Nutrition Center. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2693, and a 34-year member of Roofers Union Local 93. Dennis enjoyed gardening and loved to spend time with his family and beat them in a game of pitch. Survivors include seven children, Ronald C. Schaefer, Jefferson City; Ralph S. (Gerri) Schaefer, California, MO; Rachael A. (Bill) Murray Rakestraw, Chester, MD; Russell K. (Mary) Schaefer, Jefferson City; Ruth M. (Curt) Dittmer, Henley; Rita K. (Tom) Storey, Jefferson City; Rose M. (Dave) Eskens, Jefferson City; seventeen grandchildren; and twenty-three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sisters, Ida Yackow and Iona Branson; and one brother, Edgar Schaefer. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2018, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Cesar Anicama celebrating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Capitol Projects Inc., 2001 E. McCarty St., Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.