Jim R. Schafhauser

James “Jim” R. Schafhauser, 87, went to eternal life on Friday May 5, 2023. Jim was born on August 26, 1935 to Herman and Anna (Fux) Schafhauser in Appleton, Wisconsin. Jim graduated from Appleton (West) High School in 1953. Jim served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 and was stationed in Korea. Jim returned home and earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Oshkosh and worked in the lab at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, where he met his future wife, Beatrice Schneider. Jim married Beatrice Schneider on June 2, 1962 in New Holstein, Wisconsin and they shared 48 years together until Bea’s death in 2010. Jim worked for a short time at Appleton Memorial Hospital in the lab and then 27 years at Kimberly Clark Corp. as a microbiologist. Jim had a great sense of humor, enjoyed planting a garden every year, wood working, playing cards, and making up trivia questions for his children to compete for the prized Russell Stover’s box of candy. In 2013 and 2019, Jim traveled to his parent’s birthplace in Kasperke Hory (Bergreichenstein), Czech Republic and reunited each time with his first cousins and extended family. Jim was blessed to have a childhood friend of 87 years, Jerry Herb, whom was an important person in dad’s life.

Jim is survived by his children Heidi (Jim) Schmitz, Rachel (Todd) Miller, Hans Schafhauser, Paula (Mike) Van De Leygraaf, Becky (Ben) Steger and 11 grandchildren, Jacob Schmitz, Andrew (Jen) Schmitz, Noah (Cassidy) Schmitz, Isaiah Schmitz, Shyla Miller, Hannah Miller (fiancé Erik Bies), Zach Miller, Kylie Rieder (boyfriend Brayton Palmer), Emily Rieder, Ethan Steger (girlfriend Alexis Cosme), Ella Steger, in laws Millie Thielman, Janice Schneider, Cletus (Rita) Schneider, and extended family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Beatrice, his siblings and in-laws Paul (Millie) Schafhauser, Gertrude “Cookie” (Harold) Krueger, and Bette (Harry) Sturgis, in-laws, Imelda (Eldon) Watry, Priscilla (Don) Schneider, Lucille (Greg) Sukowaty, Cyril Schneider, Marvin Thielman, nieces, Linda Kasten, Ginny Ortlieb, Cindy Schneider, MaryBeth Watry, nephews, Joe Schneider, Mark Thielman, and Tom Watry.

A memorial visitation will be held for Jim on Saturday, May 20 from 9-11 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W Marquette St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11 AM.  Jim will be laid to rest with his wife at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton.  In lieu of flowers, Jim would like a donation to be made in his name to the Old Glory Honor Flight.

Jim’s family would like to thank Shanice, Holly, Breanna, Kelly, Bonnie, and Joan from ThedaCare Hospice, and his caregiver Joni for providing compassionate care for our dad. He will surely miss his many friends at Ridgeview Highlands. Thank you also to Fr. Patrick and Deacon Bob for providing spiritual support.