Myron Schaefer

Myron Kelly Schaefer, 97, Nokomis, IL passed from this life July 12, 2023 at Pana Health and Rahab Center. Myron and his wife of almost 37 years were blessed to have had so many wonderful years together. With respect to Myron's wishes, cremation rites were accorded, and there will be no services.

Myron was born on December 9, 1925 in Nokomis; IL, the son of Harold Jacob and Helen (Kelly) Schaefer; he married Gladys Ann Cibereyon May 25, 1947 in Nokomis, and she preceded him in death September 3, 1977. Their union had two daughters, Lynn and Jill. He then married Bess Jean (Volker) Moore on August 2, 1986 in Hillsboro. Myron was a 1943 graduate of Nokomis Township High School. He was an active member in their class activities and reunions.

After graduation, Myron attended Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Due to a heart condition, Myron could only serve his country by joining and proudly serving in the Merchant Marines. Myron worked with his father and assumed management in the operation of Route 16 Cafe in Nokomis after his father’s retirement. He then was employed by the First National Bank of Nokomis.

From there he went to the State of Illinois, Department of Financial Institutions, Banking Division, Springfield office, as a trust examiner. He later transferred to their Chicago office and, while employed there, he completed his education and received a Juris Doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School, Chicago in 1971.

He returned to Nokomis and practiced law until 1982. He rejoined the then State of Illinois, Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies, as their chief trust examiner, retiring in 1986. Myron was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Nokomis.  He also was a member of A.F. & A.M. Nokomis Masonic Lodge #456, having been raised to a Master Mason August 17, 1962, and served as Master of the lodge for two years and later as secretary.

He was also an honorary member of Irving Lodge #455, Irving, and Mt. Moriah Lodge #51, Hillsboro. After the closing and consolidation of the Nokomis Lodge in 2021, he became a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge #51.

He was an active member and secretary /treasurer of the Bottomley-Ruffing-Schalk Baseball Museum for several years. He was an avid golfer and was in the Nokomis Bowling Hall of Fame. He played softball on several Nokomis league teams as catcher, first baseman, and short stop. He is survived by his wife, Bess Jean; his daughters, Lynn Marie Schaefer of Crete and Jill S. Meyer of Witt; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two nieces; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; sister, Phyllis Sutton; nephew, Richard Sutton; cousins; and several Aunts and Uncles, one of whom was former Illinois State Rep. Ed Schaefer.

Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Springfield, assisted the family.

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