Merle “Mike” John Schaeffer 85, passed away Friday, May 9, 2014 in the Cornerstone Hospice House, The Villages, FL
“Mike” was born to the late John Schaeffer and Eva Ladner Schaeffer, on March 10, 1929 in Bowdle, South Dakota. He married the late Ruby Bonner Schaeffer June 21, 1969.
“Mike” and Ruby both retired from National Geographic in Washington, DC in 1989 where Ruby was an RN and “Mike” was a design engineer. “Mike” was in charge of creating and building exhibits that traveled the world. After his retirement, he started a new design business call “Bonner Products” around Davis, WV. They retired again in 2003 and moved to The Villages, FL.
“Mike” served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict and served in the Medical Corp for both the Navy and Marines because of his specialized training. “Mike” received several medals for his service during this period.
“Mike” seemed to be loved by everyone he met. He had friends from all walks of life. He will definitely be missed.
“Mike” is survived by a daughter, Janet Paz of Silver Spring, Maryland, two grandsons, Christopher and Michael of Wildwood, FL, two great grandchildren, Micah and Gwen and one brother, Alvin Schaeffer of Ohio.
“Mike” was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Bonner Schaeffer and two brothers, Alex and Harold Schaeffer, two sisters, Hildy Bower and an infant sister, Viola.
Friends will be received at Hinkle Funeral Home Thursday May 22, 2014 from 4 – 6 PM. Funeral service will be held at Buena United Methodist Church in Canaan Valley, May 23, 2014 at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Neil Parsons officiating. Interment to follow in Buena Cemetery, Canaan Valley, West Virginia
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, The Villages, FL or to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society or the Lupus Foundation.
Condolences can be made to the family at www.hinklefuneralhome.com Hinkle Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.