Donald A. Schaefer

Donald A. Schaefer, 71, of Staunton, Illinois, passed away at 4:30 AM on Monday, July 20, 2020 at his residence in Staunton, Illinois. He was born July 5, 1949 in Alton, Illinois, the son of the late Lawrence J. & Elvita B. (Sauerwein) Schaefer. He married Laurie S. Coyne on November 18, 1972 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, Illinois & she survives.

Don was a Steelworker at Granite City Steel in Granite City, Illinois for 43 years, & was a member of the Steelworkers Union. He was also a member & past Elder at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, Illinois. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, was a Purple Heart & Bronze Star Recipient, & a 50 year member of American Legion Post #564 in Worden, Illinois, where he was a Past Commander.

Don coached Boys Basketball for 15 years at Zion Lutheran School in Staunton. He also coached Boys Basketball for 2 years at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Staunton; Freshman Boys Basketball at Staunton High School for 2 years; JV Boys Basketball at Staunton High School for 4 years; & Girls Volleyball for 2 years at Staunton High School, during which he was named the Small School Volleyball Coach of the Year by the Alton Telegraph. He also assisted his son Chris with the Trinity Lutheran School Girls Basketball program in Edwardsville.

He enjoyed playing golf & going to Cardinals baseball games. His greatest love was spending time with his family & watching his grandkids’ activities & sporting events.

Survivors include his wife, Laurie Schaefer, of Staunton; 3 Sons – Christopher Schaefer of Edwardsville, Illinois, Patrick (Amy) Schaefer of Litchfield, Illinois, & Ian (Tara) Schaefer of Newark, Ohio; 5 Grandchildren – Meara & Elle Schaefer, Shaun Schaefer, Lillyan & Owen Schaefer; 1 Brother – Larry (Donna) Schaefer of Staunton, Illinois; & several nieces & nephews.

Friends may call from 11 AM until 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Zion Lutheran School Gymnasium in Staunton. All COVID-19 guidelines will be observed during this visitation period. A Private Memorial Service will be held later & Private Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to either Zion Lutheran School Athletic Department in Staunton or Trinity Lutheran School Athletic Department in Edwardsville, Illinois.

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