John Junior "George" Schaefer was born on January 3, 1932, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Emma Schaefer and passed away on May 27, 2025, in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 93 years. John was raised by his grandparents, along with his aunts and uncles at the Schaefer farm north of Garland. He was baptized in Fremont, Nebraska and in 1946 he was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Garland.

John attended Oak Grove District 13 Country School and Zion Lutheran School in Garland. He graduated from Garland High School in 1951. John was an avid basketball player and played for Garland High School. He also played baseball for Garland. John was united in marriage to Joan Rezac in 1952. To this union, four children were born: Steve, Becky, Debby, and Mike. John was united in marriage to Leola "Lee" Hall in 1983. John and Jane were united in marriage at Friedens United Church of Christ in 2004. John was a member of Seward Nebraska National Guard, the 134th Infantry, 2nd Battalion from 1951 to 1954, with the rank of Corporal, and was a Ready Reserve from 1954 to 1959. He was a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Oliver Lodge #38 and was Past Patron of the Seward Chapter #156 O.E.S.

John was a master mechanic and always had an interest in repairing any type of gas-powered engine, from lawnmowers to tractors, but especially any model of car. When he was young, he would go to the Garland dump, find an old car, drag it home, repair it and then sell it. He began his career as a mechanic working on tractors at Farmers Union, which was a John Deere Dealership in Seward. John also worked on semi-trucks in Lincoln for a short period of time. He then went to work for Rolfsmeier Motors, in Seward, where he was the "Tune-up and Automatic Transmission Specialist". While employed at Rolfsmeiers, John would attend many classes to update his knowledge on the new and upcoming models of cars. His knowledge of the automobile was staggering. He could work on anything from a Model T to a Corvette.  For several years he worked on race cars for his cousin, Les Schaefer.  He could rebuild a carburetor or motor blindfolded. John retired from Rolfsmeier Motors, having worked there for 33 ½ years. He built lifelong friendships with fellow employees during his years at Rolfsmeier Motors.

John was also a "master" gardener. He enjoyed planting a huge garden and many photographs were taken each year of his proud harvest. John liked to hunt and enjoyed a good rabbit or pheasant cooked in the crock pot. He loved spending time with his family, taking rides and visiting relatives. He especially enjoyed helping his kids with projects, and visiting friends, including special friends, Dave and Doris Patterson.  His "Mr. Fix-it" ability has been instilled in his children, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. We will miss his smile.

He was greeted in heaven by his mother; grandparents; wives, Joan Schaefer and Leola "Lee" Schaefer; son, Michael Schaefer; granddaughter, Leslie Schaefer; son-in-law, James "Jim" Aegerter; stepsons, Scott Sorensen, Frank Hall; stepdaughter, Carolee Claxton Hughes; step grandson, Randy Hall and a host of other family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jane Schaefer; son, Steven (Debra) Schaefer of Marquette, NE; daughters, Becky (Walter/Duff) Campbell of Seward, Debby Aegerter of Seward; grandchildren, Christy (Derek) Farnstrom, James Campbell, Brian (Cassie) Campbell, Clint (Taylor) Aegerter; great-grandchildren, Riley Farnstrom, Brody Campbell, Lucas Campbell, Jackson Campbell, Marciella "Mac" Campbell; brother and sister-in-law, Susan Thomas and Doug Erickson; stepchildren, Jon Hall, Tracy Leifert; step grandchildren, Gary Claxton, Greg Hall, Ben Claxton, Trish Leifert, Caleb Vercellino, Madison Leifert, A'dalyn Sorensen, Audrey Morris, Tavyn Sorensen, Tyler Schroeder; step great-grandchildren, Jazlyn Egger, Brayden Hall, Justin Claxton.