Howard Schafer Obituary

Schafer
Howard Schafer
June 8, 1936
June 4, 2025

Howard J. Schafer, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and public servant, passed away peacefully in his home on June 4, 2025, in Goodyear, Arizona.
Born June 8, 1936, in Cape Girardeau, MO, Howard dedicated his life to service, integrity, and family. A proud veteran of the US Army, Howard continued his commitment to public service through a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement at the El Paso County Sheriff's office in Colorado Springs CO where he was Captain of Patrol as well as overseeing the Posse, Hazmat, and Search and Rescue Teams. He established the SWAT Team for the EPSO and served as SWAT Commander for 12 years.
In 2002, after retiring from law enforcement, Howard and his wife, Jenny, relocated to Goodyear, AZ where he remained active in the community.
Howard's greatest joy was the time spent with his loved ones. He is survived by Jenny, his beloved wife and partner of 47 years; his daughters, Victoria Stetson (Dominic), Christine Fuerstenau (Karl), Manuela Hill (Justin), Katherine Schafer (Paul), his treasured Maltese, Sidney; his granddaughters Amanda Fuerstenau (Tony), Angela Lindsley (Zachary), Christina Schafer and great grandchildren Vincent, Hailey, Marshall, Zachary and his sister, Mickey Schafer. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Fairy and Ed Bertling and his brother, Charles Bertling.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Pebble Creek Community, Tuscany Falls Clubhouse, 16222 Clubhouse Dr, Goodyear AZ 85395. A private service will be held at the Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix AZ.