Steven J. Schaefer
June 25, 1952 ~ March 4, 2015
Steven J. Schaefer, 62, longtime Indianapolis businessman and civic leader, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family March 4, 2015. Mr. Schaefer was born June 25, 1952, in Indianapolis, to the late Michael G. Schaefer and Doris (Johnson) Schaefer, who survives.
Steve attended St. Andrew Grade School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1970, where he excelled in football. He continued his education at Purdue University, where he started three years as an offensive lineman for the Boilermakers.
Steve began his professional career at the family business, Mitchum-Schaefer, now Schaefer Technologies, Inc. He went on to become the owner and Chief Executive Officer, a position he held for many years. He served as the president of the Indiana Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association.
Steve was always involved and active in the community. He was a member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club and served as the club president. He was a founding committee member of both the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Shamrock Run. He was a member of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, Marion County Metropolitan Development Commission, Indianapolis Motorcycle Drill Team, and the Citizens Speedway Committee. He was also a member of Highland Golf & Country Club, Hundred Club, the John Purdue Club, and the American Business Club. Steve was a longtime member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and served on its Parish Council. Always involved in his daughters’ sporting events, he coached various CYO teams and was the president of Westlane/Delaware Trails and involved in Allisonville Youth Baseball and Softball for many years.
The Schaefer Family name has been synonymous with Cathedral High School for generations. Steve had served on the Cathedral Board of Trustees since 1991. He served as the Chairman from 2011-2014. Under his leadership, the school achieved a successful Faith in the Future Capital Campaign. Steve was deservingly awarded the Bishop Chartrand Award in 2014.
In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife, Paula (Keckley), to whom he was united in marriage for 43 years, daughters, Jenny Cortner of Fishers, Jackie McKinney (Bob) of Fishers, Jody Freije (Ed) of Indianapolis, Jamie Mauceri (Mike) of Chicago, Jill Mattingly (Dan) of Fishers; siblings, Michael Schaefer of Carmel, Patrick Schaefer (Nancy) of Indianapolis, Rebecca Arnold (Truman) of Houston, Texas, Kevin Schaefer (Gail) of Carmel, Susan McClain (Kevin) of Carmel; grandchildren, Katelyn and Kyle Cortner; Madyson, Audrey, Camryn, and Reese McKinney; Morgan, Ryan, and Taylor Grace Freije; Annabel and Anthony Mauceri; Maya, Jack, Lexi Mattingly, and one expected granddaughter in May 2015.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate Steve’s life Sunday, March 8, 2015, 2 to 6 p.m., in the Robert V. Welch Student Activity Center at Cathedral High School. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2015, in St. Pius X Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cathedral High School, the Schaefer Family Scholarship, 5225 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory, view Steve’s Life Story video, or to sign the online guest registry.
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Dear Paula and family, The video is lovely and demonstrates just how connected Steve has always been with his friends and family. This world will miss his mild-mannered kindness with which he treated everyone. It was a tough road the past many months and we can celebrate that he is no longer suffering…..and we will join him again one day to resume the swapping of stories and laughter. Thanks for sharing these beautiful memories. Betsy Brunette
Dear Paula and all your family A amazing collection of photos and Steve really touched us all He always had so much time for me and my family Our thoughts are with you and all and best wishes Garry Coleman, Suzanne, Katie and Jack
Dear Schaefer Family, I had the pleasure of knowing Steve for the last 20 years, working with both him and Kevin through the pharmaceutical equipment business. The love for his family was obvious to all who had the chance to meet Steve. Steve always had a smile on his face and was always a pleasure to work with through the years. The photos represent what all the blessings and wonderful times you were all able to share. I know it is never enough. All of my thought and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. Shannon Putnam
KathleenMcNulty is following this tribute.
I don’t think I’ve seen Steve since high school. I was 1 year ahead of him at Cathedral. We played football and wrestled together. I have nothing but the fondest memories and deepest regard for Steve. A great guy! My condolences to his family and friends. I know it is a tremendous loss for you. Bill G’Sell
I was two years behind Steve at Cathedral and I haven’t seen him since he graduated. I was with him one year in wrestling. He was always someone I looked up to. The picture of him warming up on CYO field and the picture with all his teammates and Coach Dezelan, I will never forget. So sorry for your loss. Jim Melton
As a former principal of Cathedral High School it was an honor for me to hand Steve his diploma. His four years at Cathedral were all memorable ones from his academics to athletics, and his leadership skills. Steve’s parents were very supportive and very present during his years at Cathedral. On behalf of the Brothers of Holy Cross we give thanks for the personhood of Steve and extend our condolences to the entire Schaefer family. Brother Douglas Roach, CSC
Steve was always a gentleman and a genuine individual. He will be missed by family and friends alike. I think we can all say we are better people for having known Steve, as he touched all of our lives in a positive way. Mike Fleetwood CHS 1970
Paula, So sorry for your loss. May passing time, caring friends and loving memories, work gently through the coming days to help comfort you and your family. Debbie and Jerry Zore
Sherri and I are very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Not only was he a fellow Boilermaker, but Steve was also President of WDT Little League sometime after my 3 terms in 1985, 1986, and 1987. He was one of the enthusiastic volunteers that helped to build our league following some down years. He will be sorely missed! Larry Martin Campbell
For Paula and family We are so sorry for your loss. We have such fond memories of our years as neighbors on Groton Lane, hanging out with you and Steve as the kids played. Our family extends our deepest sympathy to yours. Sue and Bill Emrich
Paula, Mrs. Schaefer and Family, My heart just broke when I heard of Steve’s passing. Thank you for sharing such a humble, down to earth gentleman. I so loved all the time I spent with him whether it was handling the corporate wireless account years ago, discussing the football pool which Mrs.Schaefer always does well in..!! Was honored to call him a friend and will miss his smile and hugs. Prayers and hugs to ALL of you..!!!! Bridget Wetterer
Dear Paula and Family, My deepest condolences go out to you and to everybody that’s ever had the great fortune to know your husband and dad. With every hug yesterday, I had memories flooding back of the great times at Lake Wawasee, and the impact Mr. Schaefer (which even into my 30’s I still felt like I needed to call him) had on my life. The outpouring of support was nothing short of inspiring to know how many people he positively affected. I feel very lucky that he was a part of my life and also am sometimes in awe at the amazing friendship that my dad and he had. It is a friendship that probably rivals that of any two brothers out there. I shared this with a couple of you, but I attribute much of my work ethic and the opportunities that followed to Mr. Schaefer and my one summer working as a ‘janitor-city dump delivery man-scrap cleaner-unused machine grease scrubber-do whatever it was that he asked man’ for him. The biggest lessons that I learned in that time was that you do don’t stop until the job is done and that leadership is a combination of being tough and fair. But throughout that summer, I could never figure out why I was doing all of these random tasks that essentially led to nothing (other than me working my tail off). As you guys all know, my dad and he had plenty of practical jokes together. Well I found out about two years ago, that they plotted to work me to the bone to teach me what work ethic was all about. Well, it worked, and my life has never been the same since. I’ll miss seeing him and hearing his booming voice call out ‘Matthew’ and then shake my hand (or entire forearm) with those massive mits. He always took the time to listen to what was new in my life and I always felt proud to tell him that things were going well. For all of these reasons I mentioned and for many more, I’m forever grateful to the imprint he left on me. He will be sorely missed by thousands of people, and I’m definitely one of them. I’m thinking about you guys today, and my prayers are with you all. Best, Matt ‘Matthew’ Davis
Time and distance, now living in Montana, have kept me ‘out to the loop’ regarding my Indianapolis life. I last saw Steve the day he graduated from Cathedral, but he (silently) has been with me all along. I learned of his death from the Spring/Summer Cathedral Highlights – appropriately, as this school was one of his deepest loves. I followed him at Cathedral by one year. On a lighter note, he did break my arm (accidentally) during basketball practice – but was kind enough to say he was sorry. He was a role model for all of us as a gentleman, as a man who valued academics, as a leader, and as an athlete. For all of those reasons, I worked very hard to be the kind of leader he was as co-captain of the Irish the following season. It saddened me inexplicably, for someone I haven’t seen since 1970, which is a testimonial to his impact on all of us. G.Mark Seal, MD, F.A.C.S. Class of 1971
I received a full Scholarship to play College football because of the coaches who watched Schaef That scholarship changed my life. It was an honor to play on his team. Mark Maley
Steve was the star of our class and everyone looked up to him. However, none of his success ever went to his head. He was a gentle soul. Steve made friends with everyone… if you were his classmate you were his buddy. We will all miss this giant of a man. Kevin Niehus
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about Steve’s passing. He was an amazing man and friend. Please know that I am here to support you and your beautiful family’s grieving process. Sent with love and remembrance, Cathleen Selke
I was once told that a persons true worth was not measured by how successful they were or how much money they made while they were on earth. A person’s true worth is measured by how people remember them when they are no longer with us. Steve was a great person, friend and teammate. He was was always there for younger players that were making the transition to college. Family was always a high priority. My prayers go out to his wife and family. Steve is one you pray to and not for. Becky, I was sorry to hear about your big brother’s illness. I am sure he will still be looking out for you like he did in college. Steve your leadership in the FOOL’s (Fraternal Order Ofensiive Linemen) will always be remembered.
Dear Schaefer Family, We are sad hearing the loss of Steve from our midst and regret not being present at his last farewell. Thankfully we were blessed to spend time with him little over one year ago. He and his family are very dear to our hearts. Solomon, as an employee found joy in working in a concerned family oriented company, which was started by Steve’s dad who also was a pillar of society as is Steve. They will be remembered by many… both near and far. Sincerely, The Abdul Family Trophy Club, Texas
Steve Schaefer helped many people over the years, including myself. He hired me in 2007 and with his advice and actions, helped me out of a difficult situation. For that I will be eternally grateful. He did what he had to do to get us all through the Great Recession in 2008 and we came out of it when many others failed. His steady hand and gentle nature made all of us feel like everything was going to be okay. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work for him and with him. RIP Steve Schaefer, you will certainly be missed.
shaef dont forget our ‘ deal ‘……..to let each other know if the football fields are are as good as we expected them to be UP THERE RIP buddy bing
Paula, Doris and the rest of the Schaefer family- The video tribute to Steve brought back so many memories of a family who has always been there for the Thompsons. I remember Steve in our youth (I was always older by one day) as a warm, caring, and inclusive person. He collected friends and they all adored him. He loved his family. The pictures reflect that he never changed. He had the best of both Doris and Mike. I am sure that his legend will live on through his girls and grandchildren. All my love, Julie Steck
I only remember having a conversation with Steve a couple of times but I remember being surprised how such a physically big guy seemed to be such a warm, friendly, and soft spoken guy. From the video it looks like he packed a tremendous amount of family, friends, and love into his 62 years. I cannot imagine your loss. Paula, you and your family will be in our prayers. Rest in peace, Steve. Patty and Tom Gill