Bernard Franklin Schafer, 90, of Mesa, Arizona formally of McConnell and Freeport, Illinois, passed away on May 8, 2023.

Bernie was born June 6, 1932 in Lena, Illinois, the son of Fred and Blanche (Gavey) Schafer. He lived in the McConnell/Winslow area and owned a gas station in Mount Morris before moving to Freeport for employment at various jobs including Central Cable and Kelly Springfield. He married the love of his life, Twyla June Leverton at the Leverton farm in Winslow, Illinois on September 30, 1951. Bernie received his GED in 1967 and was proud of this endeavor. The family moved to Mesa, Arizona in June, 1971. While there, he worked at the Mesa K-Mart in various positions including the Building Materials Manager. When he retired from K-Mart, he became manager of Eagle Lumber and also worked the games for the Phoenix Suns.

Surviving are: his wife, Twyla; three sons, Stephen (Peggy) Schafer of Marion, Kentucky, Russell (Lynette) Schafer of Rim Rock, Arizona, and Kyle (Amy) Schafer of Gilbert, Arizona, his daughter Tracy Ann (Ron) Hayden of Mesa, Arizona. Also survived by 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Blanche (Gavey) Schafer, brother, Donald J. Schafer and his wife, Rose (Buhlmann), and Sister Bonnie Josephine and her husband Melvin Jurgens.

A celebration of life will be enjoyed May 14, 2023 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Lily Rock Cemetery, Winslow, Illinois.