Scott D. Schafer

Scott (Scottie) Dean Schafer, Wausau, peacefully passed away on 6/7/26 surrounded by his loving family after a 13-month courageous battle with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Brain Cancer at the age of 58 under the care of St. Croix Hospice. He was born on January 25, 1968, to the late Lyman Sr. and Doris (Holeton) Schafer on their 21st wedding anniversary, the youngest of 7 boys.

Scott grew up in Antigo, WI with his older brothers doing all the things that boys do. It was often said that his mom was a saint to deal with the Schafer boys. He got into playing music with his older brothers and their friends and spent many years playing the drums in multiple bands, including Water Works which he shared many stories about their “gigs”. Scott also picked up pool and, more so, darts at a young age (his parents would have to go to the bars with him so he could play because he wasn’t of age) and he was a pretty good shot. He went to multiple state dart tournaments and played in leagues for many years meeting (and beating) many friends.

He graduated from Antigo High School in 1986. Scott had plenty of stories about his high school years which usually included driving around in someone’s car, having a beer or two, and just having fun. He cherished the friendships that he made in high school that lasted forever. Immediately following high school, Scott followed in the footsteps of his dad and brothers Jerry, Pete and Dan and joined the military. He proudly served 28 ½ years in the Army National Guard achieving the rank of First Sergeant and the nickname “Scooter”. Scott did 2 tours to Iraq and held multiple jobs during his time in the military including being a tanker, cavalry, operations sergeant, communications, convoy security and detainee operations. Scott created many friendships during his time in the military, some which lasted decades, including meeting his wife, Andrea Fisher, in the middle of the woods at Fort McCoy. They were married in Wausau on December 13, 2008. Retiring in 2014 as the First Sergeant of the Antigo unit was a full circle moment, as that’s where he began his career.

Besides the military, Scott worked for Pomp’s in Antigo for multiple years then as the Scheduling Manager of Apogee in Wausau for over 18 years until his medical retirement in January 2026. He made amazing friendships along the way and was one of the hardest and devoted workers anyone had ever met. Outside of work, Scott enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling with Andrea, watching, attending, participating in and coaching sports, spending time with family and friends, and curling. He loved being “papa” to his grandkids and playing with them, teaching them so much. Scott was a long-time member of the Wausau Curling Club which he enjoyed very much and always wanted to get back to it if his health would allow him to. Scott and Andrea hosted an interclub bonspiel together for the last 10 years which was always a highlight of his year.

Scott liked to say that he was not a very social guy, often calling himself “anti-social”. He said it so much so that his cousin Steve started a special photo album on his phone of incidents of Scott being “anti-social”. Scott could talk to anyone and make friends at the drop of a hat. Once you got him talking, it was hard to get him to stop; he always had a story to tell. Scott would rarely raise his voice; he would talk and talk which would drive his girls crazy! He loved to joke, make up funny sayings and songs, and started Floral Shirt Fridays at Apogee which (we hope) is still a trend today. His favorite day of the week was Tuesdays which he deemed as “Hump Day Eve”. He would say, “We celebrate all the eves, New Year’s Eve, all hallows eve, heck, we even celebrate Christmas Eve and Santa Clause comes on Christmas Eve so why not have a reason to celebrate every week?”

Scott and Andrea were not only married; they were best friends. They spent many nights staying up until the sun rose just talking or listening to music and Andrea cared for him day in and out for the last year and a half. Andrea’s love and devotion to Scott was unwavering, and likewise. Their message to everyone who finds their person is to keep making memories. Andrea did everything that she could in the last year and a half to make sure Scott and her had as many memories as they could possibly have; a WI Badger football game, a trip to Seattle including a train trip back, a WI Badger Basketball game, a Bucks game, a trip to Florida, and multiple rides in the truck which all included a lot of ice cream stops (vanilla malts, chocolate chip cookie dough or mint chocolate chip). There were many days that lead into nights and sunrises, just having “back deck sitting time” which is what they enjoyed the most.

Scott is survived by his loving wife and best friend, his Andrea, Wausau. His daughters, Jenny (Dustin Drake), Wausau, Deana (Jessey) Richey, Antigo, and Adriana, Madison. His grandchildren, River Drake, Tobias Schafer, Koltin Richey, and Graylin Richey. He is further survived by his in-laws, Howie and Terri Fisher. Five of his older brothers, Ron, Antigo, Jerry (Deb), Lake Charles, LA, Pete, Madisonville, KY, Rick (Shayne), Antigo, Dan (Cindy), Aniwa. Brother-in-laws John Zich, Lancaster, WI and Garrett Peterson, Wausau. His princess puppy girl, Morgan. Very special cousins and friends, Steve and Cassie Cerny, Wausau who have helped Scott and Andrea immensely over this past year along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, Becky Fisher, his oldest brother, Lyman Jr., his niece, Tina Mullins, and nephew, Benny Kerstetter.

Scott’s family would like to thank all of their friends and family that have helped them over the last year and a half. Dr. Platta and Dr. Asquith and the amazing staff at Aspirus Cancer Center. His Neurosurgeon Dr. Dey and his Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Bhatia and the staff at UW Health. NP Ann Wittwer, her nurse Jessica and all the staff at the VA in Wausau and Tomah. Holly, Ashley and the other caring staff at St. Croix Hospice and all the other amazing care givers we have had along the way.

A Celebration of Scott’s life will be held at Noon, Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Scott’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

In the words of Scott “Life is too short to be unhappy, find your happy and make as many memories as possible that you can.”