Marvin Schaeffer

MADISON- Marvin J. Schaeffer died peacefully in his home on Friday, June 24, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin, surrounded by his four children. Marvin was born on June 30, 1927 in Pollock, South Dakota. He was the third child born to Martin and Martha Schaeffer. He spent his youth helping his father farm and run their store and butcher shop. Attending Pollock High School, he played all sports, and was an outstanding basketball player.

At the age of 17, Marvin enlisted in the US Navy and was on his way to Japan on a troop ship to be part of the invasion. When Japan surrendered, he remained in Yokosuka as part of the occupation. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Marvin attended South Dakota State University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering.

He married his college sweetheart, Jean Stedronsky in 1950, moved to Nebraska, and then to Wisconsin Rapids, WI when he took a position as a Civil Engineer with the Department of Highways to work on the Interstate Highway System. His career with the Department of Transportation took them to Eau Claire and then to Madison, where he retired as the Administrator of the Division of Highways (Chief Highway Engineer).

Marvin was predeceased by his wife of 65 years Emily Jean Stedronsky Schaeffer. He is survived by his four children; Holly Frey (husband Tom) of Virginia Beach, VA; Barbara Pritchard (husband Keith) of Waynesville, MO; John Schaeffer of Madison, WI; and Gail Nennig (husband DuWayne) of Plano, TX; and nine grandchildren; TJ Frey (wife Sarah), Emily Pritchard, Ashley Nennig Crank (husband Roy), Elizabeth Frey, Katie Pritchard, Molly Pritchard, Alyssa Nennig, Kristen Frey, and AJ Nennig.

Marvin loved God, Family, and Country. His strong German heritage was evident in his work ethic and devotion to family and friends, and he showed his love for them through his work and service. He served on many church committees, traveled to Haiti on a church mission trip to repair a hospital, and he was active in Kiwanis and Habitat for Humanity. He enjoyed family vacations camping, boating, skiing, fishing, and returning to South Dakota to visit friends and go pheasant hunting. He was well respected for his loyalty, courage, and integrity, and he will be missed terribly.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 1, 2016 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Road, Madison, WI. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 prior to the service. Private burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Memorials in Marvin's honor are appreciated to Covenant Presbyterian Church or the Madison West Kiwanis Foundation.

Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406