Gordon M. Schaefer

Gordon (Gordy) Schaefer, 54, of Gridley, IL, died at his home on April 27, 2017, after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. Gordon was born on January 25, 1963, to Paul and Therese Schaefer in Blue Island, IL. He was the youngest of 9 children and grew up in Riverdale, IL, a south suburb of Chicago. He attended Queen of Apostles School and Thornton Township High School, graduating in 1981. Gordon moved to Carbondale, IL, to live with his brother, Greg, and attended Southern Illinois University. He then eventually relocated to Bloomington, IL, to be near his sister Michele. He earned a certificate in Computer Aided Drafting from Heartland Community College. Gordon and Garnetta married on June 28, 2002. Gordon bravely and wholeheartedly embraced the roll of first time husband and stepfather to Garnetta’s two sons. He enjoyed being part of a family, sharing adventures, assisting with advice and direction and celebrating all of the happy events that nearly 15 years of togetherness brings. Gordon was proud of his 16 years of employment with Tee Jay Central. He started with the company doing computer drafting and ended his career there just a month ago being a respected, knowledgeable and valuable asset to the company. Gordon regarded the owners, Jim and Jeff, and his co-workers as his extended family. Gordon was an avid Chicago sports fan, with a major highlight of this past year being the Cubbies winning the World Series. He spent many hours coaching the Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears from the comfort of the living room recliner. He and Garnetta enjoyed taking annual vacations and weekend trips, camping, celebrating family times and doing home improvement projects together. Gordon also enjoyed bowling with the King of the Hill bowling league at Twin Cities Bowling Lane in Bloomington. He began bowling with the league approximately 8 years ago and enjoyed the companionship and friendship of his fellow league members. Gordon is survived by his wife, Garnetta, his son Jeffery (Jamie) Fox of Bloomington, IL, son Patrick (Madison) Fox of Washington, IL, and his beloved companion, rescue dog, Daisy. Gordon was thrilled with the news that his first grandchild will be born this fall, at the same time was disappointed that he wouldn’t be here to welcome the little one to the family. Also surviving are two brothers, Ken (Nita) Schaefer of Rock Falls, IL, Greg (Linda) Schaefer of Murphysboro, IL, sister Michele King of Bloomington, IL, and 14 nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Paul and Therese, sisters, Kathleen Schaefer and Mary Helen Schaefer, and brothers, Michael Anthony Schaefer, Steve Schaefer and Carl Schaefer. Gordon was an extremely practical man and it was his request that good deeds be done in his honor in lieu of flowers. Family and friends are invited to a gathering to honor Gordon’s life on Saturday, May 6, from 2-4 p.m., at the Bloomington Masonic Lodge #43 located at 302 E. Jefferson St., Bloomington, IL, 61701.

Gordon M. Schaefer

January 25, 1963 - April 27, 2017