Ralph Edward Schafer Jr., 81, passed away on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in Coldwater, MI. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, November 17th, 2022 from 4-7:00 PM at Bill’s Grill House at the Coldwater Golf Course. All are welcome to join for fellowship, sharing stories and reminiscing.
Ralph was born February 19, 1941, in Battle Creek, MI, to Ralph Schafer Sr. and Alice (Kibiloski) Schafer. He enjoyed an energetic childhood, including coon-hunting with his dog Turk. He graduated from Bronson High School in 1959, where he played football, was on the track team and played basketball (under local coaching legend, Bill Zabonick). Many of his childhood friends, would continue to be some of his closest friends throughout the years
Upon graduation from high school, Ralph went on to attend Argubright Business College in Battle Creek. The education he received helped prepare him for a lifetime in business. An adventure, that would not only impact his local community, but many in the tri-state area. At age 21, Ralph assumed ownership of Ralph Schafer Distributing Company (Stroh’s and Anheuser-Busch), in Bronson, MI, from his mother and father. With a lot of hard work and dedication, they helped him create a life that would impact many, as the distributing company would later become, an integral part of the surrounding communities.
In 1979, Ralph helped to seal his legacy in the Bronson history books, when he brought the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, to Bronson’s annual Polish Festival. Not just any hitch. One of Budweiser’s most famous hitch teams. Visitors came from far and wide to get a glimpse of the magnificent creatures. Semi’s rolled into town and the warehouse was transformed into an elaborate display of Anheuser-Busch’s pride and joy that was shared with the entire community.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Carol (Fair) Schafer; his son, Scott Schafer of Jackson, MI; his daughter, Lesley Schafer of Coldwater, MI; two stepdaughters Kelly Simmons of Coldwater and Kathy Schafer-Raymond of Coldwater; his grandchildren Elizabeth Simmons of Coldwater, Kyle (Lexie) Raymond of Moundville, AL; great-grandson, Brooks Raymond of Moundville, AL and his brother, James Schafer of Bronson. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Alice Schafer. He and his wife Carol just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past June, a milestone that he was very proud to have marked.
In the early 1980s, Ralph auctioned his farm in Bronson, MI and re-located his family to Angola, Indiana. He found joy in his new community and many new friends and activities. He continued to be an avid supporter of his children and grandchildren’s athletic events; volleyball matches, basketball games, softball games and cross-country meets. He was always there to cheer everyone on.
In 1988, he finished construction of a new location in Coldwater, MI for Ralph Schafer Distributing Company, this would become its new headquarters. Ralph and Carol remained in Coldwater for the next 34 years, up until his death.
Ralph remained active in retirement, traveling in their Motorcoach, throughout the country. Whether it was to tractor pulling events to watch his son, going across country to explore new sites and cities or to their beloved Estero, FL, where they spent most of their winters over the past 25 years. Estero is where he found his second home. He met new friends, got involved in new projects and overall was able to enjoy a simpler way of life. When back in Michigan, his woodshop was his passion. He loved creating, tinkering, fixing and modifying whatever he had his eye on.
Ralph’s wide-ranging business ambitions were fueled by a lifelong curiosity for exploring new things. He was a thinker, a dreamer, a true entrepreneur. His driving force was an abiding love for the communities in which he served, worked and resided in. While the distributing business was the cornerstone of his career, he also spent countless hours working on the farm in the early years; he was involved in a dry-cleaning business, a travel agency, a housing development and manufacturing companies.
Since his death, Ralph’s family has received countless testimonials from those whose lives were touched by his support, mentorship and friendship. Kindness was his calling card. As one friend put it “Ralph always seemed to be walking down the street, with a pocket full of sunshine,” for those he went to meet.
A celebration of Ralph's life will be held Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 4:00 – 7:00pm at Bill’s Grill House at the Coldwater Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tibbits Opera House Foundation & Arts Council in Coldwater, MI or to Hillsdale College, 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242, Attn. Institutional Advancement. www.dutcherfh.com.