WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Kenneth E. Schaeffer, age 91, of LaGrange, died on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at home. He was born February 20, 1933 in Sturgis, a son of Sydney and Pauline (Malone) Schaeffer. Ken attended school in Sturgis.
Ken married Rosemary Trattles in June of 1951, they later divorced. On February 22, 1973 he married Shirley Mieras. She preceded him in death February 24, 2006. On June 29, 2012 Ken married Sylvia (Lyons) Crabtree at the Sturgis Nazarene Church.
Ken retired as a mechanic at Sherman Farm Equipment, John Deere. He previously worked at Weaver and Lingg International dealer in Sturgis and for Culligan Water in Sturgis. Ken helped operate the family farm with his grandfather. He attended Nazarene Church of Sturgis, was a member of the NRA and St. Joe Valley Old Engine Club. Ken loved trains, planes, and tractors.
Surviving are his wife Sylvia Schaeffer, LaGrange, daughters Connie (Carl) Deeds, Sturgis, Pam (Orin) Evans, Sturgis, step children Mike Mieras, Sturgis, Lonnie Mieras, Sturgis, Douglas Mieras, Ft Wayne, Judy Harrington, Sturgis, Carrie (Jeff) Atkinson, Berne, IN, Christine Ponce, Kentucky, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and brother Larry (Sharon) Schaeffer, Sturgis.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley Mieras, step children Linda Mieras, Robert Crabtree Jr and Danny Mieras, grandsons Larry Smith and Shane Deeds.
Relatives and friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 PM at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. Graveside services will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 at 1:00 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sturgis, with Pastor Jesse Sibert officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to Jentezen Franklin Media Ministries, P.O. Box 315, Gainesville, GA 30503, or to Sturgis Church of the Nazarene, 70031 S. Lakeview, Sturgis, MI 49091. Sign Ken’s guest book and leave a message for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
