William Gerald "Willie" Schaefer (52) of Effingham

William Gerald “Willie” Schaefer, 52, of Effingham, IL, passed away at 3:24 PM Wednesday, April 17, 2024, surrounded by family, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will take place. A Celebration of Life was held at 11:00 AM- ??, Sunday, April 21, 2024 at the Orchard Inn Tavern, 800 N 3rd St, Effingham, IL 62401. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be expressed by clicking here.

William Gerald Schaefer II was born in Granite City, IL, the son of William Gerald and Suzanne Lee (Finn) Schaefer. Willie was an elevator mechanic through the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 18, Las Vegas, NV. For most of his career he was employed by KONE Elevators and Escalators of the USA; travelling across the country working, teaching, and supervising. In 1990 he completed his degree at the Universal Technical Institute in Pheonix, AZ and has been a proud union member in the industry ever since. Willie will forever be missed by the many people that loved him. He never met a stranger and those he met became friends. He was definitely a lover of all people and all animals. He had the best sense of humor and lived life to the fullest; finding and creating happiness in everything he did.

He is survived by his parents, William Gerald and Suzanne Lee Schaefer of Las Vegas, NV; significant other, Gina Marie Hoyle of Vandalia, IL; son, Nathan Lee Schaefer of CA; daughters, Micaela Jade Schaefer and Zoe Mae Schaefer with Sabashtin Alan Wade Thompson, both of Effingham, IL; brothers, Kerry Ray Schaefer of Mitchell, IL, William Thomas “Bub” Schaefer of Bethalto, IL, and Gregory Eugene Schaefer and wife Gisela of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Joan Marie Jones of Las Vegas, NV and Victoria Lynn Wimbish of Pontoon Beach, IL; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.

Preceded in death by his grandparents and beloved cousin, Gerald L. Purcell. This is not goodbye, it’s see you later. Shine on you crazy diamond.