Albert G Schaefer

Albert (Al) G. Shaefer (94) peacefully passed into the loving arms of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 11th after a brief illness. Al, beloved son of the late +Michael and the late +Mary (nee Gungle) Schaefer, and loving brother of the late +Louise (Zimmerman) was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife Doris (nee Dunham), his long time companion and friend, Theresa Ambach, and a great grandchild, Sawyer. Al is survived by his four children, Karen and son-in-law Jerry Maksymowych, Sherri Martel, Michaelle Baker, Albert and daughter-in-law Mary Schaefer. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and several cousins.

Al attended Zion Lutheran School and graduated from Garfield High School, Class of 1949. During his high school years, he sang in the church choir, played football for the Bantam Rangers and danced with a local German dance troupe.

Al honorably served his country in the Ohio National Guard from 1949-1969, and again from 1976-1981. He was a proud member of the 107th Armored Cavalry H Troop based in Barberton, OH. Al retired from the B.F. Goodrich Co. in 1993 after 39 years of faithful service. He also drove a school bus for many years in the New Franklin school district. Al was an avid football fan who spent many hours glued to his TV rooting for Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.

In his youth, Al enjoyed driving stock cars and racing them with his friends. Al always had a passion for antique cars, which he manifested during his retirement years by restoring two classic 1959 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight automobiles. They were his pride and joy. His restorations won many awards at competitions in Hershey, PA and at Stan Hewitt Hall, including awards from the Oldsmobile Club of America and the Antique Car Club of America. Al was working on restoring his father's own Oldsmobile before he passed away.

He was a long time member of Hope Lutheran Church in Portage Lakes where he served head usher for many years. Al took his Lutheran faith seriously and found inspiration in the services and hymns of his faith especially during difficult times in his life. He found peace and comfort in hearing Scriptural passages being read to him by his daughter-in-law Mary at the time of his passing.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours between 4-7 PM on Thursday, February 16th at the Anthony Funeral Home, 1900 S. Main St. Akron, Ohio. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, February 17th at Hope Lutheran Church followed by interment at Hillside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Al to Hope Lutheran Church 999 Portage Lakes Dr. Akron, OH.