William F. Schaefer, 86, of West Bend, passed away on Monday, Dec. 16, 2002 at St. Joseph's Community Hospital.

He was born on May 9, 1916 in Kewaskum to the late John and Lorinda (nee Guth) Schaefer.

Bill graduated from Kewaskum High School where he was also very active in sports, especially baseball.

He was united in marriage to Kathryn Johnson on May 25, 1940 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend.

Together they owned and operated several businesses that included two dairy farms in the Kettle Moraine area, the Dinner Bell Restaurant on Highway 41, and Schaefer Trucking in Kewaskum,. They also started the Fireside Restaurant on Highway 41, which Kathryn operated.

Bill retired in 1977 and Kathryn preceded him in death in 1992.

He was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum, the Washington County Tavern League and a former member of the Kewaskum Kiwanis Club.

Bill's real enjoyments were his family, fishing and hunting.

Survivors include four children, Donna (Squeaky) Schwichtenberg of Lake Placid, Fla., Rosalie (Denny) Tattum of Green Bay, Wally (Ruthie) Ewert of Kewaskum and Robert (Leslie) Ewert of Neenah; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a special niece, Jeanne (Bill) Ruth of Oregon, Wis.; a brother-in-law, Carl Johnson of West Bend; other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were a sister and her husband, Kathleen and Paul Kral, and a brother and his wife, John and Wilma Schaefer.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ Kewaskum.

Rev. Eric Kirkegaard will officiate, and burial will be in Peace Church Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Visitation at the church only will be Friday from 3 p.m. until the time of services.

Memorials may be given to Peace Church or the charity of the donor's choice.

The Myrhum-Patten Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

Special thank you to St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Companion Care and Heartland Hospice.