Richard “Dick” O. Schaefer, 72, of Valparaiso and formerly of Hickory Hills, IL, passed away May 6, 2007 at the Porter Hospital+ Valparaiso Campus. He was born on September 5, 1934 in Chicago to Albert Carl and Maria, nee Vetter, Schaefer. Richard graduated from the Chicago Vocational School and was a pipe fitter. He worked for Hazel Boiler and Mechanical and then owned A Cozy Hearth in Hickory Hills, IL. Richard was currently working at the Indiana Dunes State Park. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, a member of the Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, Local 597 Pipe Fitters Union, Northern Indiana Historical Power Association, and the NRA. Richard was married to Dorothy Class who preceded him in death in 1991; he is survived by his son, Richard (Paula) Schaefer of Rockland, NY, daughter, Roxann Schaefer of Blue Island, IL; four grandchildren, Eric, Amanda, Leisel, and Rachel; and 2 great-grandchildren, Hailey and Austin; Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Ralph Schaefer. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, 753 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso with Rev. John M. Albers officiating. Burial will take place at Beverly Cemetery, Blue Island, IL with the graveside service at 2:30 PM Thursday. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, 753 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Moeller Funeral HomeValparaiso handling arrangements, www.moellerfuneralhome.com.
