William Benwell Schaefer

Bill (William) Schaefer of Eskridge, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his wife’s arms on August 24, 2026 after several debilitating illnesses. He is predeceased by his father John, mother Omi Louse, sister Joanne, and niece Sophie. He leaves behind is wife Karre, two sons Brett Schaefer and Tristan Runyan, daughter-in-love Megan, grandchildren Ashlynn and Atlas, sister Karen (Kenny) Ray, brother John (Barb) Schaefer, two mothers-in-love, two fathers-in-love, 3 partners-in-love, 7 sisters-in-love, 5 brothers-in-love, 12 nieces, 15 nephews, 10 great nieces, 10 great nephews, and 3 great, great nieces.

Bill served in the 82nd Airborne and was also in Southeast Asia from 1973-1976 and in the Navy on the Midway from 1976-1979. He met Karre when both were dealers at a flea market in late 1994 and they were married in December of 1995, raised their blended family together, and were married until his death.

Bill earned his Associates and earned a degree with IBEW 226 electrical union. Because he wanted to be able to be active in his children’s school lives, he chose a flexible schedule by running his own remodeling company and was an electrician until he retired in 2010. He also co-owned with his wife two antique stores and two grocery stores over the years. He and Karre were together nearly 24/7 for 32 years.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his sons and their friends, his nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren. He attended his children’s every sports and scholastic event. He was in the PTA and a room parent. He helped coach, was a scout leader, taught children’s church and helped run the church drama department. He volunteered in every social justice activity his wife was involved in, was her theatrical stagehand, and volunteered with every employment position she had which required volunteers. He volunteered his remodeling and electrical services when he saw a customer could not afford to pay for services. Bill also volunteered in his community and on his own in different things when nobody was looking.

Bill loved his whole family more than anything in the world. He was more observant than most people and would help anyone who needed anything, even if they didn’t know it yet. At age 54, with severe rheumatoid arthritis, he ran into the middle of the street to catch an elderly man with Parkinsons disease who had lost balance and was falling. He then hobbled the two of them safely back to the sidewalk.

Bill will be missed by his family and friends, but his body is no longer in pain, and his soul is enjoying his rewards, both earned and graced, with his heavenly family. Sweet dreams my love. See you there.