Harold J Schafer

Harold James Schafer, 85, of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2022, surrounded by loving family. Harold was born on June 12, 1936, in Stratford, Wisconsin, and was raised in Milwaukee. After high school he moved with his parents to northern Illinois. Harold met Rita at an Arthur Murray dance studio where Rita was working as an instructor. He married the love of his life Rita on May 17, 1958 and remained happily married for 63 years. Together they had three loving children. Harold studied mechanical engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He joined Air Con Refrigeration and Heating in Waukegan where he worked for 37 years and served as a superintendent for 28 years. He taught HVAC classes in the evenings at the College of Lake County. Harold joined the Lake County Contractors Association, where he worked tirelessly for the advancement of the organization, he eventually rose to the position of president and was inducted into their hall of fame. He served as an officer in the Illinois National Guard. A lifelong lover of all things Wisconsin, he enjoyed traveling to the north woods to fish and hunt in the Tomahawk area. He loved riding his ATV, snowmobiling and taking sunset boat cruises on the lake. Harold enjoyed all things Wisconsin sports, the Brewers, the Bucks, and the Badgers, but mostly the Green Bay Packers as a season ticket holder. Harold’s warm blue eyes, his infectious smile and pleasant demeanor charmed the hearts of those who knew him. Harold and Rita raised their family in Zion, Illinois for many years before moving to their dream home in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 30 years ago. He is survived by his loving spouse Rita, his children Cindy Eichelberger, David (Karen), Steven (Susan), his grandchildren Joshua Eichelberger (Valerie), Adam Eichelberger (Lori), Bradley (Kateri), Matthew, Shannon, Summer Nagle (Ryan) and 6 great grandchildren. An only child Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Elvera and Frank Schafer. We will miss Harold more than words can say. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 28, 2022, 11:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 15000 West Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, IL. Visitation will be 10:30 AM until time of mass. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers a donation to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.