Reynold M. Schaefer

reynold schaefer

January 30, 1931 ~ April 26, 2020

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Memorial Tree Plantings

Reynold \"Rey\" Math Schaefer of Danville, Kentucky, passed peacefully from this earth on April 26, 2020. Rey was born January 30, 1931, in Adams, Minnesota, the son of the late Anna Marie (\"Emma\") and John W. Schaefer. Rey learned the value of hard work growing up on the family farm in Southern Minnesota, but farm work never really agreed with him. So at the age of 21, Rey journeyed to St. Paul, where he found factory work and embarked on a 37 year career at Whirlpool Corporation. It is also in St. Paul that Rey met the love of his life, Judith Anderson, at the Polish-American Club dance hall in St. Paul. They danced the night away to the polka tunes of \"John Wilfahrt and the Band Will Play.\" Rey could dance! Judy loved that. Rey and Judy married in October 1958, and the two would enjoy 61 years of marriage. While working at Whirlpool in Minnesota, Rey studied nights and graduated from the Globe Business School and took additional accounting classes at the University of Minnesota. Rey loved his numbers, and accounting is where he would find his niche at Whirlpool. New Whirlpool plant openings would take Rey and the Schaefer family to Findlay, Ohio, in 1968, and Danville, Kentucky in 1971. Danville was the perfect fit for Rey and the Schaefer family. Rey was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He will be remembered as a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved parties, family reunions and visiting with family and friends. He never knew a stranger. He was an avid sports fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. He also loved the game of golf and his golfing buddies. His survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Judith Catherine, a daughter Mary (Chris) Conley of Danville, three sons, Brian (Vicky) Schaefer, Danville, Stephen (Mary) Schaefer Minneapolis, Minn, and Joseph (Susan) Schaefer of Lexington, KY; grandchildren, Brittany (Doug) Goens, Herbie and John Lynn, Jennifer Schaefer, Sarah (Riku) Watanabe, Andy and Charlie Schaefer, and Emma, Lucia, and Henry Schaefer; great-grandchildren, Mya, Koy, Price, and Jaxon; and his loving dog, Frannie. He also is survived by one sister, Gladys Miller, Adams, Minn., and a brother, Sylvester (Rose) Schaefer of Adams, Minn. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jolene May, and his brother Peter. A private mass will be held and a service of remembrance will be celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 117 West Main Street, Danville, KY 40422 or Minneapolis Next, 315 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 310, Wayzata, MN 55391. You may send your thoughts to the family through our Hugs from Home program on our Stith Funeral Home Facebook page, your Hug will be present at the service. A private family mass will be held, a public remembrance will be held at a later date.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  21. I am so sorry to hear this news.Mr Schaefer was such a nice man.Mrs Schaefer and Mary,I will never forget my trip to Myrtle Beach with your family.Such fond memories. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you all in the days ahead. Much Love,Jenny

    Reply

  24. Thoughts and prayers for the family. We wish you peace to bring comfort and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

    Reply

  26. Thoughts and prayers are with the Schaefer family. May the happiest of memories carry you through the days and times to come. Mr. Schaefer was a favorite customer of mine at the bank. I enjoyed conversations with him. I know he will be missed.

    Reply

  30. Our sincere sympathy to the Schaefer family. When a loved one becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

    Reply

  35. Wonderful coworker and good friend. He will be missed by many. Prayers of comfort for Judy and all the family.

    Reply

  36. Our deepest condolences to the Schaefer family. Mr Schaefer was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by many. May perpetual light shine upon him.

    Reply

  37. Judy and family, Our prayers are with all of you at your time of sorrow. Rey will definitely be missed not only in the family but the family of Sts. Peter and Paul. I always enjoyed joking around with Rey. He was one of a kind and had a golden heart and love for his Savior. Sandy and Marshall

    Reply

  38. Rey was the first person to welcome my wife & I to the Ss Peter & Paul Family. An occasion after the Peace Prayer greeting @ mass I was waiting to shake his hand, Mary said \”be patient he likes to talk\”. Indeed he did – what a blessing for us all! I will miss him. Prayers for family.

    Reply

  42. So sorry to hear about Rey’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Peace be with you.

    Reply

  44. I’m so, so sorry to hear of Rey’s death. It’s got to be particularly hard not to be able to have a regular funeral where all family and friends can come together. Please know that we all mourn with you from our homes. Sending love to my friends Judy Schaefer, Mary and Chris Conley. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply

  45. So sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Rey. Always enjoyed visiting with him when he made his trips back to Minnesota and Iowa. You have my deepest sympathy!

    Reply

  51. Rey is one of the last of a group of people that change Danville and Boyle County for the better. When whirlpool opened and a large group of people came from other parts of the country to our community, they brought a special energy and requirement that bettered our schools our businesses and each other. Rey was always fun to talk with. He was never short of an opinion and appreciated a good debate. The best part about that, is that Rey would actually listen and be willing to change his mind. I guess that’s why I enjoyed discussing various events with him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as I know you will miss him greatly.

    Reply

  56. Ray, we fought some good battles together at Whirlpool and learned to trust and respect each other. Although our careers separated you were always great man to see and reminisce with at the Tuesday Breakfasts when I was in Danville. . When a man goes to be with our Lord he leaves a gift of friendship and memories. God Bless you

    Reply

  61. Rhonda and I send our deep sympathy to the Schaefer family. Our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God bless family and friends.

    Reply

  63. Love & Hugs from my Minnesota Whirlpool Family to yours . Rey was one of a kind . Many prayers for all of you . Big Hug Mary !!

    Reply

  64. Rey was a truly fine man. My deepest condolences to the family. Sending you love and prayers for peace and comfort at this most difficult time.

    Reply

  66. Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply

  69. Rey was a character. He will be sorely missed. I first met Rey 3 years ago when I was invited to play with the (infamous) \”Tuesday Golf Group\”. (I am the token Protestant) Having not played much golf in the past few years, I decided to go to the course early to hit a bucket of balls. I was only 1/2-way thru when Rey showed up. Matt introduced me to Rey and the first thing Rey (ever) said to me was \”Five-dollar fine for practicing!\” And he never let up. When I competed against him, he said I played too well. When I was on his team, he told me \”you didn\’t play as well as you usually do\”. And he never let up………….and I\’ll miss him. He was a character

    Reply

  70. Ray was one of a kind. JoNell and I express our deepest sympathy to all of the family…..

    Reply

  72. Brian: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for your mother and the rest of the family during this difficult time.

    Reply

  73. I join the many who will miss Rey. He was such a tease and story teller. I looked forward to our morning breakfasts after Mass. My heart goes out to you Judy for the loss of your husband , yet believe this good man is safely with Our Good Lord . I kept him and you in my prayers for his suffering and for his gallant heart and your loving care of him. I will continue to pray for him and for you, as you return to life without him. God bless you both. Love, Eileen

    Reply

  75. Judy and Family, Please accept my sincerest sympathies and prayers on the passing of Rey. Like so many others, I was truly blessed to have met and known him, his wit, kindness, honesty and big heart. Rey was one of the most approachable people I have ever met. He was also a positive force for good in our Knights of Columbus Council. Even in his last years, he successfully took on a project and brought energy, organization and direction in a cause that benefited the less fortunate. When I watched him at Walmart soliciting funds from strangers for our tootsie roll drive, I soon realized how effectively he could connect with people. I was blessed to learn from his example when it became my turn. May the peace and love that comes through Jesus Christ be with you all and bring you comfort. May Rey\’s soul and all the souls of the Faithful Departed rest in peace. Amen.

    Reply

  76. Dear Judy, With deepest sympathy for the loss of Ray. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Marlene

    Reply

  77. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Schaefer family. Such a great group to have grown up with in Streamland. Prayers go out to the entire family.

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle