Bernard J. 'Pete' Schaefer

Bernard J. “Pete” Schaefer, 86, formally of 4098 St. Rt. 118 Coldwater passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Gardens of St. Henry after a short illness. Pete was born on April 19, 1937 to Bernard A. and Martin (Braun) Schaefer, at home in Coldwater. Pete was a 1955 graduate of Coldwater High School and a proud member of Coldwater’s first undefeated football team in 1954 (a statistic he never let anybody forget). After two years of service in the United States Army he became a long-distance truck driver for Hemmelgarn and Son Superior Quality Eggs, Philothea, which took him to their distribution plant in Kent, OH. During his time in Kent, he met (on a blind date) and married the former Dorothy A. Koehler on July 6, 1963 in Akron, OH.

The Schaefer’s returned to Coldwater in 1965 and Pete continued his driving career with Pax Steele Products of Coldwater. In 1973 he suffered a benign brain tumor that ended his driving career and gave him many physical obstacles to overcome.  Never to be put down, he went through training to learn the shoe repair business.  In late 1974, he opened and operated Pete’s Shoe Repair in his rural Coldwater home for over thirty years. He was a staple in the community for quality work, was wiling to try and fix just about anything and loved nothing better then to share a story or two with his customers.

Tragically on August 8, 2005 Dorothy was killed in a car accident on her way home from the Mercer County Fair. This was a huge blow for Pete but, as always, he found a way to move ahead.

In his retirement he was an avid collector and “looker” of antique hit and miss engines and tractors. He was a lover of all things New Idea and John Deer (because “nothing runs like a deer”). Pete will be fondly remembered for his ability to persevere no matter what life threw at him, his gruff personality with the ability to be nothing but loveable, his ability to tell a story, his great love for homemade bake goods, and his big heart.

Pete is survived by his only child, Kathy (Dean) Miller, Tipp City, OH and the treasures of his heart, his four grandchildren, Tia Jo (fiancée Logan Halterman), Providence, RI: Jason Pete, Miami Township, OH: Jessica Ann and Alicia Loren of Tipp City, OH. He is also survived by his brothers Romie (Noami) Schaefer, Maria Stein and John “Jack” (Pat) Schaefer, Englewood, OH and his sister Mary Jane (Bil) Homan-Boeckman.  Further, he is survived by his sister-in-law Betty Tanaska, Akon, OH. He will be missed dearly by his “landlords and incredible caretakers”, niece and nephew Carolyn and Ed Homan, his beloved “cleaning lady” niece Margie Alig, and the morning/lunch crew at Sanning’s Service Station, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, neighbors – past and present, and friends.

Proceeding him in death were his sisters in law, Shirley Schaefer, and Sandy Oliver and brothers in law Tony Homan, Mickey Tanaska, Bob Koehler, and Fred Oliver.

Pete was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Philothea, a life time member of the Knights of Columbus, the New Idea Preservation Committee, Tri State Tractor and Engine Association and the Buckey Tractor Association.

Calling hours will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater on Friday, October 20, 2023. Calling hours will continue on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Philothea. After cremation Pete’s ashes will be laid to rest in the church cemetery beside his beloved Dorothy.  This will take place at the convenience of the immediate family.

Contributions are encouraged in lieu of flowers or gifts and can be made to the Center for Neurological Development,  Everheart Hospice, or to a worthy charity of the donor’s choice. Please follow Pete’s example and give back to your community, anyway your talents or treasure allow. Condolences can be shared at hogenkampfh.com.