Gilbert "Gil" Schaefer

Gilbert L. Schaefer, 83, of Great Falls passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2016, suffering from Parkinsons for many years due to Agent Orange.Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Schnider Funerl Home. A funeral service will be Friday, December 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Gilbert was born May 7, 1933 to Michael and Antonia (Graf) Schaefer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Fairview Elementary School and St. Matthews Lutheran School. He graduated from North Division High School in Milwaukee. He worked in the family bakery before joining the Army for four years. He then went to the US Air Force, where he was sent to Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star. He continued to serve his country for 20 years. He was honorably discharged and went to work for the US Postal Service for 20 years before he retired.He was dearly loved and will be missed. A poet once wrote, Do not go gently into that goodnight rage, rage against the fading of the light, and he did. We love you.Gilbert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn Walker Schaefer; daughters Stacey (Wes) Schaefer and Tanya Schaefer both of Great Falls; son Scott Schaefer of Great Falls; granddaugher Samantha Schaefer; sister-in-law Dorothy Schaefer; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Chuck and Richard; sister Marian; and grandson Jacob.