Obituary for Richard M. Schaeffer
Richard M. Schaeffer, 75, of Windsor Twp., passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021 in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Marie E. (Boger) Schaeffer. They were married on August 6, 1966 and celebrated fifty-five years of marriage.
Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Milton and Mary (Miller) Schaeffer. After his parents died at a young age, Richard lived and worked on various farms in Windsor Twp. He was a 1964 graduate of Hamburg High School. Richard was employed by Shollenberger Farm Supply as a delivery driver and mechanic. He took a great interest in the well pump business at that time. Richard had the opportunity to buy the Myers pump portion when Shollenbergers closed. He then started his own business in 1972 in the Myers water pump and water systems. His uncle, Wilson Miller, helped him to build the business doing water pumps as well as all types of plumbing and heating. Richard had also worked at Ernst's and Adams painting. In 2011, Richard and son, Allen, transitioned the business to RM Schaeffer LLC continuing the company as partners. Richard and Allen were honored to work together and could be seen on many projects together.
Richard loved going to breakfast with his high school classmates of 1964. He was a community centered person and volunteered to help others and organizations. Richard was a member of Frieden's Church, Lenhartsville, where he was a member of the church council. He was also a member of the Frieden's Church Cemetery of Lenhartsville where he was currently secretary/treasurer. Richard was a member of the Virginville Grange since 1961, holding the positions of Master and President from 1990-1996 and 2008-2016. He was a member of the Reading Suburban PHCC; the Reading Berks Plumbing Apprenticeship Advisory Committee; Berks County Versommling; several local fire companies and fish and game associations. He was also the Judge of Elections for Windsor Twp.
Richard loved his grandchildren and giving them tractor rides. His agricultural connection always brought him home to his youth home at the farm. He enjoyed his Farmall and Oliver tractors along with his Myers engine bulldozer pump.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children: Faye M. (Schaeffer) Heckman, Hamburg; and Allen R. Schaeffer, husband of Tracy (Kramer) Schaeffer, Perry Twp.; and four grandchildren: Veronica, Brayden, Carisa and Otto. Richard is also survived by a brother: Harold Schaeffer, husband of Betty, Myerstown.
Services will be held on Thursday at 10:00 am from Frieden's Church, 1512 Old 22, Lenhartsville. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg (off street parking in rear) and Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 am at the church. Burial will be held on Friday at 9:00 am. Memorial contributions may be sent to Friedens' Cemetery, P.O. Box 221, Lenhartsville, PA 19534. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Milton and Mary (Miller) Schaeffer. After his parents died at a young age, Richard lived and worked on various farms in Windsor Twp. He was a 1964 graduate of Hamburg High School. Richard was employed by Shollenberger Farm Supply as a delivery driver and mechanic. He took a great interest in the well pump business at that time. Richard had the opportunity to buy the Myers pump portion when Shollenbergers closed. He then started his own business in 1972 in the Myers water pump and water systems. His uncle, Wilson Miller, helped him to build the business doing water pumps as well as all types of plumbing and heating. Richard had also worked at Ernst's and Adams painting. In 2011, Richard and son, Allen, transitioned the business to RM Schaeffer LLC continuing the company as partners. Richard and Allen were honored to work together and could be seen on many projects together.
Richard loved going to breakfast with his high school classmates of 1964. He was a community centered person and volunteered to help others and organizations. Richard was a member of Frieden's Church, Lenhartsville, where he was a member of the church council. He was also a member of the Frieden's Church Cemetery of Lenhartsville where he was currently secretary/treasurer. Richard was a member of the Virginville Grange since 1961, holding the positions of Master and President from 1990-1996 and 2008-2016. He was a member of the Reading Suburban PHCC; the Reading Berks Plumbing Apprenticeship Advisory Committee; Berks County Versommling; several local fire companies and fish and game associations. He was also the Judge of Elections for Windsor Twp.
Richard loved his grandchildren and giving them tractor rides. His agricultural connection always brought him home to his youth home at the farm. He enjoyed his Farmall and Oliver tractors along with his Myers engine bulldozer pump.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children: Faye M. (Schaeffer) Heckman, Hamburg; and Allen R. Schaeffer, husband of Tracy (Kramer) Schaeffer, Perry Twp.; and four grandchildren: Veronica, Brayden, Carisa and Otto. Richard is also survived by a brother: Harold Schaeffer, husband of Betty, Myerstown.
Services will be held on Thursday at 10:00 am from Frieden's Church, 1512 Old 22, Lenhartsville. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg (off street parking in rear) and Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 am at the church. Burial will be held on Friday at 9:00 am. Memorial contributions may be sent to Friedens' Cemetery, P.O. Box 221, Lenhartsville, PA 19534. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.