Obituary of Robert A. Schefke

Robert Schefke, age 88, passed peacefully on December 4, 2023. After a month-long illness, he was guided through his peaceful life transition with his daughters at his side. Bob was a beloved husband, dad and grandpa.

Born in Detroit to Marie Schefke, Bob was the last remaining sibling of seven. He started from meager means and always focused on creating stability and opportunity for his family. After high school, Bob completed vocational training in electronics and mechanics at night.

Bob served his country as a specialist in the Army with honor. He was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia for two years and always remained proud of his service.

After his military service, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 41 years. He started as a postal carrier which helped him find the love of his life. While covering a postal route two streets over from his home, he met Margaret Ann on her porch while delivering mail. She always felt special that her Prince Charming appeared right on her doorstep. They were married in 1964 and always focused on family.

Bob spent most of his work years as an electrical mechanic at the main Post Office in Detroit. His analytical mind and inventiveness were a great fit for the job. Bob was always a good provider for his family and filled the home with security and love. He ensured that his family always had vacations and opportunities for his girls to chase their interests. After raising two daughters, he was happy to welcome his sons-in-law John and Dan with whom to share laughter and “guy stuff.”

In his free time, Bob was an amazing gardener. He grew fruit trees, a huge garden, beautiful roses and flower beds. He selflessly fed his friends and neighbors with the harvest. He was also an avid puzzler with Sudoku, excellent dancer, and skillful at repairing anything. He loved his McDonald’s visits with his brother-in-law Jim and then with a core group of friends every morning in recent years.

He retired in 1998 and moved into his favorite role: Grandpa to James and Erin. He found a new level of fun and silliness. He attended all their school and music events. He was so very proud of their academic accomplishments.

In later years, Bob experienced his greatest challenges and successes in supporting his wife Margaret Ann. Bob was always a quiet, humble individual. Bob cared for Margaret in their home for many years and later at the nursing facility as her health declined. As Margaret withdrew into her illness, Bob grew in his emotional expressiveness. He gently supported her with visits and multiple calls every single day. He found ways to comfort her and showed remarkable skills as a caregiver. Watching them sing love songs together through a window at the nursing facility during the pandemic was just beautiful. He tried very hard to live one moment beyond Margaret so he could always take care of her; unfortunately, unexpected illness over the last month redirected those plans.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Margaret Ann; his daughters and sons-in-law Diane (John) Heinlein and Kathleen (Dan) Chaffee; and his grandchildren James and Erin Heinlein. He is also deeply loved by extended family Marilyn Anderlie, Karin Anderlie, John Anderlie, Chermine Stanley-Nasr, Moss Faber, Juno Cameron and Ryan Woock.

A visitation with family will be hosted by Bagnasco and Calcaterra Funeral Home at 15638 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights on Saturday 12/16/23 from 10 am to 2 pm. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11:30 am by Fr. Harry Posner of Christ the Good Shepherd Church. Please contact family for the zoom link for the Celebration of Life if you’d like to attend from a distance. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory are recommended to: Livingston County Community Mental Health’s Genesis House (checks should be written to LCCMHA with Robert Schefke/Genesis House on memo line) or Veteran Service Dog Organization (vsdo.us).