John “Jack” Schaefer was born May 20, 1935 to Alfonso and Irene( Weber )Schaefer in Dunlap Iowa. He attended rural schools west of Dunlap through the eighth grade and then worked the family & neighboring farms. In April 1953 Jack volunteered for the draft and became a soldier in the US Army. He did his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was sent to Korea in October 1953. Upon return, he farmed again until he went to Milwaukee at the end of 1956 where he worked doing concrete for T L Smith. Jack came to Omaha in 1957 and applied for an apprenticeship to become an electrician. It was during this time in 1959 that he first laid eyes on a young lady named Shirley Knott, from Manila, Iowa. Later that very first night, he boldly stated to his roommate, Joe Bernes, that he had met the girl he was going to marry! As if his charming and chiseled good looks weren’t enough- he further wooed her by presenting his small Cesna airplane! Unfortunately, he showed her what goes up must come down and performed a safe and successful emergency landing in a cornfield outside of Dunlap, after visiting her family. Fortunately that near death experience didn’t deter her and on June 4, 1960 he fulfilled his bold promise and married Shirley Knott at Sacred Heart Catholic church in Manilla. In the spring a year later, they welcomed their first son, Randy, and Ron followed three years later. But third time is a charm and seven years later, the oops baby girl was born, and Julie, a.k.a (Pain in the butt) arrived. During this time, Jack continued his electrical career becoming a journeyman, then a foreman, and eventually a superintendent. His work ethic, integrity, and loyalty made him a “go to guy” for Baxter electric for his entire career of 37 years. In 1994 at the age of 58, he decided to focus on a new career- Retirement! He couldn’t sit still long, and began his “ small engine repair shop “ out of the garage. Jack was a wizard with small engines- he could fix lawnmowers, snowblowers, weed wackers, and chain saws. No small engine was too difficult, and although not always fixed exactly right, with a little ingenuity, some duct tape, wire, and an addition or two- Jack always got it running! There was never a formal bill, but usually an exchange for a case of beer. He loved to share a cold one and visit when you picked up your machine. This side business never made him a lot of money but the conversation and friendships were priceless! Before his retirement and definitely after, his one love beyond his family was the cabin. His cabin was his sanctuary, where he relished time with his wife, his kids, grandkids, family, and friends. It’s where he could be “Jack” -having fun on the boats, perfecting his fishing technique, shooting rifles and bow and arrows, playing horseshoes, smoking fish, drinking a martini, beer, Bloody Mary or whiskey & water, and perfecting his craft of ARGUING!!!which he did rather well...heck he’d even switch sides in the middle of an argument just to keep the bantering going for another hour or two! Beyond the cabin, Jack found joy at two local establishments, 1: VFW Post 2503, where he was a lifetime member and made many new friends, and 2: Harbor freight Tools- where they actually changed their “free gift with purchase” policy to One per visit per day because of him! Jack and Shirley were parishioners at Holy Name parish for 57 years. They baptized and married off all three children from Holy Name, and several years later, many of their grandchildren were baptized there as well. They both were very active in the parish, volunteering time and talents. Jack did wiring and laid carpet, worked many festivals and planned New Year’s Eve parties. He was an active member of the Men’s club and an original founder of the Holy Name fish fry. Jack loved his kids! He coached the boys‘s teams and was a die hard fan of all the kids sporting activities. He loved to see them smile and created a home and cabin experience that made many a friend jealous: pinball machines, juke boxes, and a kegerator! He was tough- the only man I know that could discipline just by raising his voice and it was enough to make you pee your pants! He was also very loving and not afraid to show his sensitive side- he would cry at the tear jerkers along with Julie. Next to his wife and kids, Jack’s grandchildren were the apples of his eye. He loved his grandkids more than anything in the world! If ever asked about his grandkids, a huge smile came across his face and a twinkle in his eye as he shared stories. We ask that you please help in keeping Jack’s memory alive and toast him every now and again with a cold one, or feel free to quote one of his favorite sayings: “ well, I’ll bet you”, or “ how do you figure?”, “or “greasy grimey gopher guts”, or “how bout a beer?”, or “ I only gave you 1/2, the top 1/2!”, or “ your a$$ sucks buttermilk!” Jack and Shirley ....those two words go together and just don’t sound the same apart. Jack wasn’t always the best at showing it, but he loved her from the moment he saw her till the day she said “it was okay to go.” She was his rock and he would never argue with you about that! In 2006 he was diagnosed with COPD, and while originally it didn’t slow him down over time it took its toll. He fought a courageous battle for 12 years and passed peacefully at home on February 3rd, 2018 surrounded by his family . Jack may have journeyed home and left us all behind, but he is in a better place, now at peace, and having a cold one with the many we have loved and lost. Gone but never forgotten, “ Big John- Big Bad John”. Preceded in death by parents Al & Irene, brother Murel, sister Jan Peterson Survived by: Wife of 57 years, Shirley Schaefer; Children: Randy Schaefer, Ron Schaefer & wife Ana, Julie Post & husband Bernie; Brother Ken Schaefer & wife Doris; 10 Grandchildren & 2 Great Grandchildren; Many other relatives & friends. Gathering of Family & Friends: Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 from 5-7:00pm, with a prayer service at 7:00pm, All at VFW Post #2503 (8904 Military Rd.) Memorial Mass: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 at 11:00am, with family receiving friends one hour prior to the service, All at Holy Name Catholic Church (2909 Fontenelle Blvd) In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will be given to charities in Jack’s name. Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-391-2171