Donnelly, who was in Donaldson Saturday to meet with Schaefer and to give the address at Ancilla College’s commencement, said, “We are really grateful for your service. There is no way to put it into words. Thank you for everything you have done.”
Father Schaefer, from a family of 10 children in Minnesota, entered into the Catherine Kasper Home as a resident in 2006. One of his two surviving sisters, Sister Sharon Schaefer, is also a resident of the facility.
Schaefer was ordained in 1942. After his first assignment as an assistant pastor of Saint Agnes Parish in Saint Paul, Minn. that lasted two years, he joined the Army Air Force. He went on to attend the Harvard University Chaplain School.
After retiring 25 years later as a full Colonel, he returned to the New Ulm, Minn. Diocese to serve as pastor at Saint Andrew Parish for 10 years.
Although retired from the armed forces, he continued his service to soldiers as chaplain to veteran organizations at the state and national levels.
Schaefer said, “It was my responsibility to freedom.”
He also served 19 years in Florida as an associate pastor at the Our Lady Queen of Martyrs.
During his ministry as chaplain, Schaefer had the honor of having a private audience with five popes: Pope Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I and John Paul II.
Also present at Catherine Kasper Home to honor Schaefer were members of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana, Chapter 42, Marshall County. They included: Paul Oyler, Bud Ross, Jon Borton, Larry Balmer and Ron Thomas. Fred Kowaleski, Marshall County Veteran Services officer, was also present.