Gene Philip Schaefer, 76, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, passed away on Nov. 26, 2025. Mr. Schaefer will be remembered as a spiritual man dedicated to humanitarian causes. His voice, loud in song, will be sorely missed.
Gene was the first pharmacy tech for Kaiser Permanente, working at Bess Kaiser Hospital in Portland.
Gene was born in Moscow, Idaho, and grew up in Battle Ground, Washington, where his father was a teacher at Battle Ground High School. He graduated in the class of 1967 from that school. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington State University.
Survivors include his widow, Mary; his sister, Barbara; brother-in-law, Bruce; and sister-in-law, Jani. Also missing Uncle Gene will be Zachary, Stacey, Jordan and Kelli. Mary’s children and grandchildren will also be at a loss.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Ruth; and brother, Gary.
Gene was actively involved with St. Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Church in Battle Ground for 25 years. He was a member and officer in the Battle Ground Lions Club and a charter member and officer in the San Tan Lions Club. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow. He earned third degree in the Knights of Columbus, Council 17036.
Gene became blind at age 32, a victim of diabetic retinopathy. After undergoing three years of kidney dialysis, he was the recipient of a donor kidney in 1992. In June, he joined the Donor Registry in Arizona, seeking to share the gift of life with others.
A funeral Mass, burial and reception will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Battle Ground at 11 a.m. June 11. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation, in Gene’s name, to St. Vincent de Paul, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 1603 N. Parkway (PO Box 38), Battle Ground, Washington 98604.
