Robert Allen Schaefer's Obituary
Robert Schaefer, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington, just weeks shy of his 92nd birthday.
Born on July 30, 1933, in Omaha, Nebraska, Robert was one of four siblings, growing up with a brother and two sisters. He pursued his education at Washington State University, where he studied communications technology before proudly serving his country in the Korean War for four years in the AV-145 unit, known as The Rustlers.
Following his military service, Robert applied his technical expertise in the aerospace industry, working for Boeing as a communications technician. He later dedicated 25 years of service to Tacoma City Light, where he was a respected member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 483.
Robert had a remarkable talent for electronics. He was the go-to person for fixing televisions and building computers for family and friends. His intelligence and curiosity were matched by his generosity—he was always ready to lend a hand, especially when it came to helping his children and grandchildren with life’s challenges.
He married Flora, who brought three children into their union, and together they welcomed a daughter. Robert was a quiet man, but when a story needed telling, he came alive with vivid tales of his life and experiences—stories his grandchildren cherished. He loved his family and always included his grandchildren in whatever he could. From learning to fish and how to identify poisonous fish, where he found out how brave one of his grandson's could be. To reading the dictionary in his lap and encouraging the love of learning, to the point he got involved with engineering projects with another grandchild.
In his leisure time, Robert enjoyed reading science fiction, as well as watching murder mysteries and police procedurals. He was also an avid fan of Seahawks football and Mariners baseball. His true passion lied in technology, where he excelled throughout his life. Though he was humble in his later years, he was quite handy and clever with electronics.
Robert will be remembered for his intelligence, generosity, work ethic, and occasional stubborn streak. He was a steady presence in the lives of those he loved, always ensuring his family felt supported and cared for. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the knowledge he shared, and the love he gave so freely.
He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his loving family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a very special man like no other. He was so important and special to each of us in so many different ways.
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