Victor Schafers
Victor A. Schafers, 81, died Jan. 13, 2004, at St. Luke Living Center.
Born Aug. 28, 1922, at Stillwater, Okla., he was the son of William J. and Mary (Hope) Schafers.
In 1949 he married Mary Ann Silhan at St. John Nep. Church, Pilsen. She preceded him in death.
On Sept. 12, 1953, he married Madonna Esparza at Stillwater, Okla.
He served as a scoutmaster before joining the U.S. Army in 1945. He served in Germany until November 1946.
Memberships included the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, American Legion, and a lifetime member of the VFW.
He worked with the Sister Adorers of the Most Precious Blood in Stillwater, Okla., Wichita, Enid, Okla., and came with them in 1952 to St. Luke Hospital, Marion.
He served on the Eckan Board in Lyon County and was instrumental in forming Headstart in Emporia. He was employed by Lyon County School District #253 at the time of his retirement.
The Schafers returned to Marion when Madonna retired.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Geraldine Ann Schafers; a son, Herman J. Schafers; a sister, Josephine Richmond; and a brother, William Schafers.
Survivors include his wife, Madonna of Marion; two sons, Victor J. Schafers of Hillsboro and Christopher Schafers of Manhattan; six daughters, Deborah Cisneros, Teresita Williams, and Celestine Huelett, all of Emporia, Helena Frizell of Indianola, Iowa, Mary Raleigh of Marion, and Madonna Hedgecock of Topeka; a brother, Anthony F. Schafers of Marion; seven sisters, Clara Kerntky and Helen Downey of Stillwater, Okla., Mary Vogeli and Hope Owens of Chickasha, Okla., Jeanette Blasi of Shulte, Delores Warnica of Marion, and Frances Klenda of Beloit; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A prayer service was held at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Marion.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday at Holy Family Parish, St. Mark's Catholic Church, Marion, with Father Steve Gronert as celebrant.
Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial funds have been established with St. Luke Living Center and St. Mark's Catholic Church.
