Benjamin Schafer

Schafer, Benjamin, of Saginaw, Michigan, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Covenant HealthCare-Cooper. He was 90 years old. Benjamin Schafer was born on July 12, 1927 in Gilford, Michigan to the late David and Eva (Laubhan) Schafer. He married Mary Margaret "Tootie" Weigl on September 23, 1950; she survives him. He attended Arthur Hill Trade School and graduated with the Class of 1944. He then served in the United States Army in Europe during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, Ben was employed at Lufkin for 18 years before going to General Motors, retiring on August 1, 1989. He was a former member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a current member of St. Dominic Parish. Ben was always more than willing to give advice and help in fixing or building things, as long as it was his way. Ben had a great sense of humor and joked about many things. He was also one of the best "arm chair" cooks around! Ben & Tootie spent their retirement years at their home on "Schafer Pond", where they had many happy times. He loved fishing and enjoyed his home. He took great pride in his yard and pond. He loved to dance and had many favorite songs, especially polka and country music. He made many friends on the dance floor as he danced throughout life. His strong faith in God provided himself and his family guidance throughout life. Ben's family was the light of his life. Ben is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Margaret; four sons and three daughters: Stephen (Judith) Schafer of Saginaw, Benjamin (Marsha) Schafer of Saline, Gary (Susan) Schafer of Richmond, Douglas (Laurie Sue) Schafer of Vassar, Debra (Gary) Bishop of Saginaw, Kimberly (Richard) Blanchard of Carlsbad, CA, and Sandra (Fred Vlassis Jr.) Schafer of Saginaw; many loving grandchildren & great-grandchildren; sister, Martha Metiva; sister-in-law, Rachel Schafer; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren; three sisters; and five brothers. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at St. Dominic Parish, St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. George Serour will officiate. Rite of Committal and military honors will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Monday, August 7, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Vigil service will be held at 7: 00 p.m. on Monday lead by Sister Elaine Raymond. Ben will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Michigan Chapter, 21311 Civic Center Dr., Southfield, Michigan 48076 or to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.