Elmer Schiefer

Obituary for Rev. Elmer Schiefer

Our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, Rev. Elmer B. Schiefer, took the hand of Jesus and entered his heavenly home on May 17, 2026.  He was born in Vassar, Michigan on January 21, 1926, the second son of Edwin J. Schiefer and Agnes M. Block. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville, Michigan.  He married the love of his life, Bernice (Bea) O. Robinson, on June 19,1948 in Richville and they were blessed with 64 years together before God called her home on December 12, 2012.

Knowing from the age of 6 that he wanted to be a minister,  Pastor Schiefer was ordained at St. Michael’s in Richville in 1950 and went on to serve congregations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Plumas and McCreary, Manitoba, Canada; Lone Elm, Missouri; Riley Township, Michigan; and Iva (Hemlock), Michigan.  He retired from Zion in Iva in 1991 after 25 years of service there.

In 1993, Elmer and Bea moved from Michigan to Columbia, Missouri to be closer to their three children and grandchildren living there.  He was blessed to answer the calling on his heart to shepherd the flock at Zion Lutheran Church in Lone Elm, Missouri as their vacancy pastor from 1998 until 2002 when he once again retired.  He came out of retirement yet again when he was called to serve as vacancy pastor at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Ashland, Missouri from 2008 until his final retirement in December of 2024.

He was deeply devoted to his family, texting them four times a day to wish them well and send his love. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sandra Bailie, Deborah (Mike) Lenz, David (Michelle) Schiefer, and Christopher Schiefer; his four grandchildren, Rachel (Nicolas) Gray, Jordan (Jess) Schiefer, Evan (Alia) Schiefer, and Austin (Addie) Schiefer; his four great-grandchildren, Ava, Aiden, Cana, and River; his nephew, Gary Schiefer (Penny Miller); and his nieces, Karen (Larry) Bauer and Carol (Alan) Friday.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Sue Welke, Sandi’s loving neighbor, who responded to calls for help at all hours of the day and night without hesitation. Her kindness and steadfast presence were a great blessing to Sandi and will never be forgotten.

They would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to Linda Helpap, Sandi’s close friend, for her support, loving care, and devotion to their father during the eight months he lived with Sandi. She was like a daughter to him and will forever remain a cherished part of the family.

The family also thanks Todd, Melissa and Kelly of AdvisaCare Hospice for their care and support.

Joining him in the much-anticipated family reunion in heaven are Bea; his mother and father; his nephew, Kenneth Schiefer; his brother, Emil Schiefer; his sister-in-law, Alice Schiefer; his grandson, Andrew Lenz; and his son-in-law, James Bailie.

The steadfast faithfulness of God filled his life with joy and peace enabling him to share the unending love of God with people in all walks of life and through everchanging circumstances. A true servant of God, he was blessed beyond measure to have served the Lord’s flock for 75 years.

 Dad, you've walked through changing ages, through sorrow, joy and prayer. And carried hope to countless hearts with wisdom rich and rare.

Your voice has calmed the weary. Your hands have lifted pain. And through each generation your faithfulness remained.

May peace surround your spirit. May heaven's light stay near. And may you feel deep gratitude from all who hold you dear.

One hundred years of blessing, of service strong and true. The world is brighter, gentler because of souls like you.

We love you, Dad, and we praise and thank God for the example, love and life you gave us.

In keeping with Pastor Schiefer’s wishes, cremation has taken place. At a future date, there will be a private committal service at St. Michael’s Cemetery, in Richville, Michigan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com