Arnold "Jack" Schaeffer

Jack “Siv” Schaeffer

Arnold John Jr (Jack) Schaeffer, also known as “Siv” to many folks who knew him well, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024. Jack was born in Aurora IL to parents Arnold John (Arnie) and Irene Aletha (Hagenston) Schaeffer. He was their youngest child and brother to Donna and Jim. When Jack was 8, the family moved to Rockford IL. He attended Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford IL, Rock Valley College and eventually earned his degree from Milton College with a major in History. He excelled in basketball during his school days; he was a sharpshooter. His efforts were rewarded when later in life his basketball team was inducted into the Rock Valley Hall of Fame. Jack was proud of his basketball prowess and likened himself to the great Earl “the Pearl” Monroe, often sporting “Pearl” golf hats to remind his admirers.

Jack was a salesperson for most of his life but dreamed of being a sportswriter. He did spend time as a news and sports reporter for a local newspaper. It’s probably where his knack for stats about players and teams started. Jack had a passion for sports and the outdoors – hunting, fishing, baseball, football, basketball, bowling, curling – but he loved golf the most. He was a great golfer, sometimes even practicing and playing as much as a professional. Jack had a keen memory of every shot he ever took; he was more than willing to share it with any listener!

Jack spent many years enjoying activities with his brother Jim and nephews Jimmy and Joe. Their time together was memorable, and it is still fun to hear the stories of their adventures. They hunted pheasants in SD, fished in many waters of WI, curled together at Kettle Moraine Curling Club and bonspiels across the Midwest, attended Packer games, Bucks games, Brewers games, and were a strong foursome on the golf course. Jack and brother Jim served as coaches for Jimmy and Joe’s softball team for years in Pewaukee WI. There’s no doubt they toasted each victory and loss together while enjoying the fellowship of their entire softball team along the way. 

In his prime, Jack was a multiple winner of the Annual Schaeffer Family Pool Tournament each Christmas. Even with his bad eye he was a surprisingly good shot and an even better entertainer.

Jack’s reverence for the Rolling Stones was unmatched. He attended their concerts at least 16 times and knew every word of every Stones song. Jack loved music and had it playing all the time. He played guitar, wrote, and sang songs often. It was a gift he enjoyed sharing with friends and family.

Jack was a friend to everyone he met. He cherished his relationships as if they were his family. May he now rest in peace with Nancy and his family in Heaven.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife Nancy (Arendsee) Schaeffer, his sister Donna (Schaeffer) Buchner and his brother-in-law David Buchner, his brother Jim Schaeffer, his niece Maggi (Buchner) Campbell, and his nephew-in-law James Campbell.

Jack is survived by his sister-in-law Sandy (Parker) Schaeffer and his many nieces and nephews: Stacey Schaeffer (Tiffiny), Susanne Schaeffer, Sara Schaeffer, Jim Schaeffer Jr. (Barb), Joe Schaeffer (Sandy), Mary Schaeffer (Gilbert), Cathy Malicki (Chris), Bill Buchner (Lana), Tony Buchner (Chris), Jeanne Blanchard (Jabe), Annie DeLargy (Stephen), Tom Buchner (Stephanie).

A funeral mass will be held on September 11, 2024. Visitation is at 9am and Mass is at 10am at St. Anthony’s on the Lake, W280 N2101 Prospect Ave, Pewaukee, WI 53072. Reception to follow.

The family would like to thank Jimmy and Barb and Joe for their time and energy looking after Jack during the past few years. We are also grateful to the caregivers at Crossroads Care Center of Pewaukee and Legacy Hospice for their compassion and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.