Rio-Robert J. Schaefer, age 78, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison. He was born on January 3, 1940, in Madison, the son of Edgar and Viola Schaefer.

After graduating from Central High School in Madison, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Bob spent his career as a Highway Engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, field trialing, bowling, golfing and cars. He loved being with his dogs and horses, as his voicemail greeting says, “Hi, this is Bob. I’ve got horses, I’ve got dogs and I’ve got beer; and one of those reasons is why I’m not here…”. And he loved cheering on the local sports teams.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Robert) Gallmeier, Jeff Schaefer, Traci Schaefer, Tom (Nicole) Schaefer and Sandra (Kurt) Woodard; his grandchildren, Greg (Molly) Gallmeier, Garritt Gallmeier, Ben Schaefer, Nick Schaefer, Madison Woodard, Cole Woodard and Gavin Schaefer; and his great-grandson, Jordan Gallmeier.

He is also survived by stepchildren, Noelle Brusky and her son Cashon, and Tiffanie (Bernardo) Ugalde and her children Kyle and Kaci.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Duane Schaefer and Lenore (Frank) LaGrassa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitations will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 ODANA ROAD, Madison, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the Church on Tuesday.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

Robert Schaefer

January 03, 1940 - December 30, 2018

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