MADISON - Major Donald N. Schaefer, age 92, died Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as a result of complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was born to Elmer and Lillian Schaefer on February 19, 1933, in St. Louis, Mo.

Don graduated from Kirkwood High School and went on to attend his beloved St. Louis University. While there, he enrolled in Air Force ROTC and embarked on a distinguished twenty-year military career (1955-1975), serving as a flight navigator during the Vietnam conflict. During that time, Don also married the love of his life, Air Force Nurse Lt. Colonel Sherry Ann Bean. Following his retirement from active duty, Don picked up employment as a Computer Programmer with WPS, nurtured his hobby as a model railroad enthusiast and became a proud lifetime member of the American Legion.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sherry Ann; and brother-in-law, Donald F. Bean. He is survived by his sister, Diane Medcalf.

A funeral service will be held at ST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, with Pastor Renee Kiel presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:15 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Don's burial will be alongside Sherry Ann at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wis., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, it was Don's hope that any memorials be directed to St. Luke's Youth Ministries.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Major Donald N. Schaefer

February 19, 1933 - July 30, 2025

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