Donald Vernon Schaeffer

Donald Vernon Schaeffer, 96, passed away peacefully in his own home on June 15, 2024. He was surrounded with the love of his children and wife in his final days. Don was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 17, 1927 to Oliver and Hilda (Platz) Schaeffer. His parents owned a resort on Planting Ground Lake in Three Lakes where he spent his summers helping run the resort, fishing, racing aluminum boats, and enjoying the lake and north woods with his 2 brothers, Glen and Bruce. Don graduated from Boy’s Tech in Milwaukee. One summer, a beautiful young gal named Helen came up to the resort and Don was smitten. He married Helen Wein on April 2, 1949. They found their way to New Berlin, built a ranch home and raised 5 children. Don worked as a milkman for Borden Dairy in West Allis and worked his way up to Distribution Manager. At age 58, he retired from Borden’s, bought a beautiful lake home on Little Fork Lake and moved back to Three Lakes.  He and Helen enjoyed hiking, walking, canoeing, swimming, biking, skiing, snowshoeing and all things active and outdoors. They worked together clearing trails in the area, gathering fallen timber for their woodburning stove, gardening, being helpful neighbors, and taking care of their home. Don cared deeply for his children and passed along his love of nature, being active, and strong work ethic. At age 94 Don and Helen moved to Sherwood, Wisconsin to live in a duplex in the High Cliff Cottages Retirement Community. He still got out walking a bit, riding a 4 wheel tandem bike, enjoying breakfast at the Weather Vane and fish fries at the Granary.

Don is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter Lynn Ciriacks (Dan); son, Jeffery Schaeffer; son, Gordon Schaeffer (Lisa); daughter Jill Schmidt (Timothy), 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Virginia Schaeffer (Bruce), many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his son Gary; his brother, Glen; his sister-in-law, Mickey; his brother, Bruce; and Helen’s siblings and their spouses.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at the Upper Pavillion at High Cliff State Park, N7630 State Park Road, Sherwood, WI 54169 on July 9th at noon. There will be lunch and an open mic for sharing fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either The Northwoods Land Trust at northwoodslandtrust.org  or  the Three Lakes Waterfront Association at tlwa.org