Richard H. Schaefer

Rev. Richard Henry Schaefer, 81 of Phoebe Berks Village and formerly of Kent Ave., Laureldale, died April 29, 2011 in the Pheobe Berks Health Center.

He was the husband of Ruth Catharine (Rahn) Schaefer, whom he married August 8, 1953.

Born in Greece, New York, he was a son of the late Edward L. and Edith L. (Kneeland) Schaefer.

He was a 1947 graduate and champion swimmer of John Marshall High School, Rochester, New York; 1951 graduate of Muhlenberg College and he received his Master's of Divinity Degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

He served as pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church, Laureldale for 33 years, retiring on January 1, 1998 as Pastor Emeritus. Prior to this he was the pastor of Christ Lutheran Niantic, and Trinity Lutheran, Bechtelsville; the New Tripoli Parish consisting of Ebenezer, New Tripoli; Jacob's Church, Jacksonville; St. Peter's, Lynnville; St. Paul's, Seiberlingsville and Jerusalem Red Church, Kempton.

He was interim director of the West Berks Mission District, interim pastor at various churches, and coordinator, with his wife, of Farm Advocacy Resource Ministry.

He volunteered and directed small group camping for the Ministerium of PA serving on the board for 25 years. He was a secretary, vice president and president of the Topton Lutheran Home Board. He was a volunteer chaplain for Patient Care Hospice. He was a member of the Berks County Farm Board and Boyertown Odd Fellows Lodge.

Rev. Schaefer is also survived by two children: Susan R. (Schaefer), wife of Charles E. Stull Jr., of Jefferson Township and Peter R., husband of Mary Ann (Hassler) Schaefer of Heidelberg Township.

Other survivors include three siblings: Rev. Walter R. Schaefer of Colorado Springs, CO.; Col. Thomas E. Schaefer of Peoria, AZ and brother, John P. Schaefer, Esq., of Rochester, New York.

There are also four grandchildren: Jessica C. (Schaefer), wife of Matthew A. Empfield; Courey Y. Schaefer; Isabelle M. Stull and Jonah C.S. Stull.

He was predeceased by his twin brother, Robert F. Schaefer, who died January 19, 2011.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1009 Elizabeth Avenue, Laureldale, PA 19605. There will be no public viewing. Burial will be private in Good Shepherd Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church at the above address. For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com