Ernest Schafer

Ernest Richard ‘Rick’ Schafer, 73, of Aurora, Colorado formerly of Springfield, Illinois and Dunedin, Florida passed away October 28, 2021 at his home. Rick was born August 28, 1948 son of Richard C. and Ruth E. Wood Schafer in Springfield, Illinois.   He married Jane Lawler in 1970 and she survives.

Newly married and out of college, he went to work in the family business, E L Schafer and Sons in Springfield, IL.

Moving to Dunedin FL in 1986,  Rick founded Schafer Systems International.  He traveled extensively throughout the world designing and installing beverage systems and held patents for equipment designs.

He retired in 2013 to Colorado to enjoy his family.

Rick nobly battled Parkinson’s Disease for 18 years while continuing his love of travel and adventure by hiking the Appalachian Trail and climbing a Colorado ‘Fourteener’.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Schafer, brother-in-law, Chuck Brockhagen and nephew, Matthew Brenner.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years and son, Richard E. ( Hilary)Schafer of Windsor, CO, daughter, Sarah Schafer Berry (Sean )of Aurora, CO, and son, Joseph C. (Stephanie) Schafer of Weston, CT.  Jane and Rick delighted in their 7 grandchildren; Ella Jane, Jack and Kate Berry, Lucas and Ian Schafer,  Benjamin and Olivia Jane Schafer.  His 4 sisters survive; Mary (Danny) Coker of Springfield, IL,  Linda (Ken) Douglas of Naples, FL, Kristine Brockhagen of Dallas, TX., Kathleen (Mark) Brenner of Northbrook, IL.  Also surviving are brother-in-law, John Lawler of Denver, Co., brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jeff and Jeanne Lawler Bartlow of New Port Richey, Fl.  and 6 nephews, John and Michael Bartlow, Kevin and Kyle Coker, Michael and Jon Fritz; 4 nieces, Emma Brenner, Katee Brennan, and Lindsey Hodgkinson, Lesley Jones ,and  many dear cousins.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held for family and friends on Memorial Day 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to support the Patient Coordinated Services Fund at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.  Please send your gift in memory of Rick Schafer to :  University of Colorado Foundation,  PO Box 17126, Denver, CO 80217.  On the memo line of the check, please note Rick’s name and make it payable to CU Foundation.  Gifts may also be made online at: www.giving.cu.edu/RickSchafer