TWIN LAKES | GENOA CITY | ELKHORN
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Welcome to the memorial page for

Joseph Herbert Schaefer

September 21, 1943 ~ January 11, 2017 (age 73) 73 Years Old
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Message from Tom and Denise Brehm
February 26, 2017 10:21 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his entire family
I first Met Joe 32 years ago when I use to sell him his cigars and candy
He was always so nice to me and always took the time to ask How Iwas doing .

Years later my wife Denise and I became great friends with Joe stopping in and eating at his restaurant . Joe always had a story to share and we will me his heart and his smile

He will be missed by everyone he touched . God bless you Joe!
Message from Pat & Ed Nowak Jr. Bloomingdale, Illinois
February 6, 2017 12:55 PM

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We first met Joe in 2000 when we bought our summer home in Williams Bay. We passed by the Ye Olde Hotel on a Saturday afternoon to see if it was open for lunch. Obviously it wasn't, so we went back that evening. As soon as we walked in, he welcomed us, thanked us for coming back and asked if we were there for dinner. I said yes and asked how he knew that we were there earlier in the day. He said that my car (a teal green corvette) doesn't drive by that often. Since then, we had a great relationship and always made it a point to go back with family and friends. The "water view" was our favorite table. Joe, rest in peace. You may be out of sight but never out of mind.
Message from Ann Weiler Rhoades
January 27, 2017 12:29 PM

it was such fun attending our last class reunion and spending time with Joe. He told numerous stories about our fathers who were good friends!!! he was certain they were two of the biggest characters ever!!! However after we left my husband exclaimed "What a great Character Joe Is"!!! So happy after so many years away we were able to spend time at the reunion with Joe....I am certain he is in heaven smiling down on us all!!!
Message from Tim Duffy
January 26, 2017 7:43 PM

Hello JJ and Heather,

I am Jim and Katie Duffy's son. They were regulars at the restaurant and I came with them many times when I visited.

I didn't realize that he was only 73 and had gone to my high school......guess I should say that I went to his, since he was there first....I'm 67.

To me he was a crusty olde farte who was like family. I tried, unsuccessfully to get him to plant a seed from that old tree.

I hope that you keep that place going.

May God hold him in the palm of His hand.

Take care,

Tim
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A candle was lit by Betty & Don Felten on January 21, 2017 12:22 PM
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A candle was lit by Mary Roath on January 21, 2017 7:50 AM
Message from Mary Roath
January 21, 2017 7:48 AM

I thought of him as a historical marker and the heartbeat of Lyons. He had passion for this town. He has left a void that can't be filled. Irreplaceable.
Message from Larry and Vicki Price
January 20, 2017 7:25 PM

We were so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was unequivocally a man of the people. This is evidenced by the many years of exemplary civic duty he provided for his family, friends, constituents, and taxpayers. One of our favorite qualities, that Joe possessed, was his knack for getting to the point. Joe didn’t mince words or play word games. He didn’t speak in code. He didn't sidestep the tough questions that many people were hesitant to ask. He asked questions in a very unfiltered manner that anyone could understand and persisted until he had a clear understanding of the point at hand.

In all the years we knew Joe, he always inquired about the wellbeing of our family before ever discussing business. He was a very genuine and caring person even though he projected a facade of iron fisted toughness. Walworth County is a much better place thanks to Joe’s many years of unselfish service. Joe was one of the good guys and we will truly miss him.
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A candle was lit by Jon & Connie Voigt / Cooper on January 20, 2017 3:00 PM
Message from Ron and Judi Person
January 20, 2017 2:47 PM

Our prayers and sympathy. Joe will be greatly missed. Always made us feel so genuinely welcome. God speed old friend.
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A candle was lit by Cindy Barton and Ron Nelson on January 19, 2017 10:30 PM
Message from Eric Barton Cindy Barton's son
January 19, 2017 3:32 PM

You will be greatly missed. Condolences to your family and know you will always be in our prayers
Message from John. Theisen
January 20, 2017 8:45 AM

Joe. Over the 25 years I have known you, you have not changed. That character
Is and was the reason for your success.Never too busy to say hi. Or. Goodbye
To relate a story whether political or personal , it has been my privilege to know
You and your family. Including Bill. Thank you for your service to our country
And to our county
You will be missed by many many people, I will miss those phone calls
John. Theisen. Say hello to my mother who you treated as your mother when we dined at your place. .!11
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A candle was lit by Bill Wiswell & Cheryl Baker on January 19, 2017 12:32 PM
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A candle was lit by Don and Riley & Ryan Trimberger on January 18, 2017 11:35 PM
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A candle was lit by Bill and Linda Darnstadt on January 18, 2017 6:50 PM
Message from Carmen
January 17, 2017 7:27 PM

Papa Joe you are so missed and loved by All who knew You. My son Travis and my sis Renee wish you a great Journey to Next Place. GodBless. I just lost my Dad 10/25/16 he was 78. I feel your pain JoJo and Family. R.I.P Papa Joe. ♡♡♡



Message from Roger Hills
January 17, 2017 6:30 PM

To the family, I am very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great guy. I will truly miss him. I tried to make it in to say hi when I was in town, which isnt often. It just so happens I saw him right after Thanksgiving. We shared a few laughs. It is hard to believe it has been almost 40 years since I worked for him, tending bar, wearing that goofy red vest.
Expression of Sympathy

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A THE COLOR OF MEMORIES TABLE ARRANGEMENT was ordered on January 17, 2017

Message from Dorothy Burwell
January 17, 2017 11:34 AM

Joe so enjoyed his service on the county board as I witnessed serving with him on several committees. He always welcomed everyone, especially at his restaurant. He will most surely be missed by everyone in Lyons.
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A candle was lit by Randy & Beth Smith on January 16, 2017 5:29 PM
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A candle was lit by Kevin and Roxanne Skinner on January 16, 2017 3:50 PM
Message from Richard & Harriet (Schoenberg) Peterson
January 16, 2017 9:05 AM

So sorry to hear about Joe's passing...he will be missed.
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A candle was lit by RIP Joe, you will be missed. Terri on January 16, 2017 8:36 AM
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A candle was lit by Marty & Bobbi Baker on January 15, 2017 11:39 PM
Expression of Sympathy

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A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on January 15, 2017

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A candle was lit by Laurie (Rowe) Tess on January 15, 2017 7:57 AM
Message from Scott and Terri Goldschmidt
January 15, 2017 7:28 AM

Scott and I will miss Joe's presence at the restaurant. Being a former Lyons resident, I have had a great time coming back and reconnecting and showing Scott - Ye Olde Hotel. Many, many good memories there. We had my Mom Carole Howe May stop in and talk to Joe about old times. Our condolences to Joe's family. He leaves behind quite a legacy.
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A candle was lit by Cindy Mangold on January 14, 2017 6:19 PM
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A candle was lit by Mike, Lynn, and Matt McTrusty on January 14, 2017 2:51 PM
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A candle was lit by Ann Meeks on January 14, 2017 12:07 AM
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A candle was lit by Janey (Lancaster) Reed on January 13, 2017 9:24 PM
Message from Jim Walker
January 13, 2017 7:40 PM

We not only lost a friend, but we all lost a true gentleman. Joe was the best !
Kim, Sylvia, Bill and Jim
Message from Randy & Jo Timms
January 13, 2017 7:22 PM

We are sadden to know that Joe left us much too early. Our deepest sympathies go to the family members with his passing. We had only known Joe for a short time but quickly embraced his smile and winning personalty. Serving on the County Board with Joe with a great experience and one that I shall miss.
Message from Dolly and Bill Spiegelhoff
January 13, 2017 6:06 PM

Joe and Dolly were classmates at Saint Marys High school. He was so gracious to host our last class reunion Friday night dinner at his awesome place of business. He even surprised us all with a beautiful cake special made for our reunion. He always made us feel so welcome , as if we were the only ones there when we went for dinner. He loved to talk about old times, he knew everyone, and never had a bad word to say about anyone.We always felt so welcome by Joe who would be sitting at the bar on the end stool to greet and meet all who came in for dinner. We will miss you Joe, and will keep you in our forever prayers. Till we meet again.
Expression of Sympathy

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A PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on January 13, 2017

With our Deepest Sympathy, The Cull Family & Royal Recognition

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A candle was lit by Jerry and Sue Chilcoat on January 13, 2017 3:19 PM
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A candle was lit by Tom and Vicki on January 13, 2017 1:45 PM
Message from Jan Sutte
January 13, 2017 12:49 PM

Joe was truly "an unforgettable character". His many years of service to country and community are a record to admire. The memories of enjoyable evenings spent at Ye Olde Hotel with Joe presiding at his seat at end of the bar will be with us forever. Rest peacefully our friend.
Message from Joanne Leach
January 13, 2017 10:44 AM

Lyons won't be same. Joe loved Lyon's and was so proud of Lyon's. When I opened Tattered Leaf Designs he was right there to help. I so appreciated his support. "I want you to succeed, I'll help get the word out." He had my business cards on the tables so so nice to do that. Will miss you big guy!
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A candle was lit by Roger June Morrow on January 13, 2017 10:44 AM
Message from Karen Kallem & Duane Murray
January 13, 2017 10:42 AM

Our deepest condolences to you all. He was larger than life & will be missed greatly by all of his friends and patron's of the Hotel. It will hurt to see an empty stool at the end of the bar. We wish you peace.
Message from Roger Miller
January 13, 2017 10:41 AM

Prayers to family at this time!
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A candle was lit by Joanne Leach on January 13, 2017 10:34 AM
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A candle was lit by Lorie and Jeff on January 13, 2017 9:54 AM
Message from Roberta Zess
January 13, 2017 9:50 AM

Joe and my dad (Robert Key) were on the County board together for years. Ye Old Hotel was a place of many memories of family dinners and your Dad/Grandpa was a great host. As an adult, I didn't get there much but if we did Joe immediately knew who I was and had that fatherly hug and kiss on the check. He will truly be missed but I'm sure he and my dad are having a few cocktails in heaven!
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A candle was lit by Jodi Hegemann Liebelt on January 13, 2017 9:28 AM
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A candle was lit by Nate and Tiffany Breske on January 13, 2017 8:39 AM
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A candle was lit by Anna Thomas on January 13, 2017 8:34 AM
Expression of Sympathy

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A GARDEN PATH was sent on January 13, 2017

With our deepest sympathy's. Jimmy and Peggy Massey

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A candle was lit by Jimmy and Peggy. Massey on January 13, 2017 7:30 AM
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A candle was lit by Donna & David Bennett on January 13, 2017 1:12 AM
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A candle was lit by Jason Reesman on January 13, 2017 12:57 AM
Message from Joyce Ketchpaw Reed
January 12, 2017 5:18 PM

I'm going to miss you Joe at our annual county board dinner and when I am Ye Olde Hotel for dining. You will be sitting on that bar stool, saying "Hi" and giving me a kiss of welcome for years to come! Always so positive.

Message from Louis Bowler
January 13, 2017 9:07 AM

A big part of Lyons and Walworth County is now missing. We will miss you Joe! What you have left bend will be continued and honored. See you later buddy!
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