Frank Schaefer
Belleville | Save
Frank J. Schaefer, Jr., 78, of Belleville, IL, born August 10, 1948, in Millstadt, IL, died Thursday, October 29, 2026, at his residence.
Mr. Schaefer proudly and courageously served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from May 1968 to May 1970. He served with the distinguished 7th Cavalry Regiment, and his military service was marked by extraordinary dedication, courage, and personal sacrifice. Among his military honors were the Purple Heart, awarded for wounds sustained because of enemy action, and the Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal, recognizing his distinguished military service and achievements. He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, along with Expert Marksmanship qualifications in both rifle and automatic rifle. His decorations reflect a soldier who faced the dangers of combat with courage and served alongside his fellow soldiers with honor and commitment.
He later had a career in technology within federal government agencies at both downtown St. Louis and Scott Air Force base civilian offices. Frank was an avid sportsman, and enjoyed hunting and trout fishing at Bennett Springs, Lebanon, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Dorothy “Dottie”, nee Bertelsman, Schaefer.
Surviving are his son, T.J. (Sunny) Schaefer, Ph.D. and grand dog, Nemo Schaefer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Queens Best Stumpy Dog Rescue at https://tinyurl.com/QBSDR-Donations, or PayPal: donations@qbsdr.org, or Venmo: @queensbeststumpydogrescue or you can mail donation checks to 4821 Lankershim Blvd. #F372, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
His family will forever remember and honor his service, sacrifice, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Funeral: Private family services will be held.
Burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Renner Funeral Home
