Walter "Walt" Schaefer, Jr. Obituary

Walter T. Schaefer, Jr. was born October 2, 1956, at Rochester, NY to Walter T. Schaefer, Sr. and Margaret (Redd) Schaefer. He grew up in Kingsport, TN. He attended Sullivan Central High School. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He worked for NRCS and later owned and operated his own small business. He married Jan Riggins on July 17, 1982. They had four children: Matthew, Mallory, Megan, and Michaela.

Grateful for having shared Walter’s life are his children: Matthew Schaefer, Mallory (Matt) Scott, Megan Johnson and Michaela Schaefer (Cullen Walder): grandson Neil Johnson; brother: Kurt (Sherrie) Schaefer; and Jan Riggins.

Preceding Walt in death are his parents, Walter T. Schaefer, Sr. and Margaret Schaefer; sister, Ann Kilgore and Gary Kilgore.

A memorial visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. with service at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23, at Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall with Pastor Gus Craven officiating.

Service Details

A memorial visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. with service at 2 p.m. at Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall with Pastor Gus Craven officiating.

Guest Book

My Deepest Sympathy
~ Fawna Geigle Sturgis, SD (4/25/2025)

Sorry for your loss. I know David and Walt became friends as soon they met. He was a really nice guy.

~ Dixie Cadman Interior SD (4/19/2025)

Schafer family, I am very sorry for your loss. Thank you, Walt, for being kind to me as a kid. I will never forget your carpentry, such as the amazing playhouse you built for Michaela when you lived off of Stone Drive, which I had the privilege to play in. Not many kids can say they played in a hand-built, basically a mini house with a porch window and door in their friend's backyard. You were a truly God-gifted individual. Many prayers to your family during this time of grief.
~ Sadye Custis Sioux Falls, SD (4/28/2025)