Walter Joseph Schafer, age 58 of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Jefferson County Health Center.

His body has been cremated. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the Fairfield Eagles Lodge #1927.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Family, for care and education of the minor children at home. Cards and memorials can be sent to Patrice Schafer: 606 W. Adams Ave. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Walter was born on May 4, 1953 in Fairfield, to Russell L. Schafer and Eleaner Dwire Schafer Little. He married Patrice Semble on October 12, 2006.

He graduated from Fairfield High School with the class of 1972 and had served with the United States Navy from 1972-1974. For the last 42 years, he had been a self-employed construction worker.

Walter is survived by his parents, his wife: Patrice, 2 children: Jeremiah (Blanco) Schafer of Oxford and Derek Schafer of Texas, 7 step-children: Darrick (Kelly) Cecchini, Lisa Carson, Theresa Carson, William (Michele) Van Ness Jr., Chauntel Wilkins, Bryan Wilkins and Patricia Wilkins, 2 grandchildren: Lucas and Eva Schafer, 12 step-children, 4 step-great-grandchildren, 1 brother: Jeffery (Lynn) Schafer of Fairfield and 1 sister: Teresa (Jeffery) Thomas of Keosauqua.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.