Donald James Schafer
February 2, 1938 – September 2, 2021
Fresno, California – The family of Donald James Schafer is sad to announce the passing of their beloved husband, father, father-in-law, and Papa in the early morning of September 2, 2021. His family was around him as he took his last breath and stepped into heaven with Christ already in his heart.
Don was born in Fresno in 1938 and was proud to be a lifelong Fresnan. He was the only child born to John and Emma Schafer, German immigrants born in Odessa, Russia.
As a first generation American, Don was an example of the opportunity that this great country offers to those who work hard and give it their best. Education was very important to him. A 1955 graduate of Roosevelt High School, he then went on to receive his B.S. in Accounting from Fresno State in 1960. He was also a graduate of the University of Washington’s School for Executive Development and then went on to receive a Savings and Loans graduate degree at Indiana University. Don also completed Residential & Commercial Property Appraisal Courses from UC Berkeley Extensions. His intellectual curiosity never ceased.
He was set up on a blind date that would change his life forever with Alice Benadom. They married in 1964 and just celebrated their 57th anniversary on July 18th. Don is survived by his wife Alice, their daughter Karen and her husband Pete Notz, son Michael and his wife Rhonda, and his favorite golf foursome of grandsons and fishing buddies Jonathan, Blake, and Gavin Schafer.
Don and Alice were profoundly devoted to each other and their family. Alice’s diagnosis in 1985 of Multiple Sclerosis was handled with a deep faith in God and uncanny resourcefulness. Don was able to research (this was before Google and computers) that the best help for her was in Germany. They spent many years going there for treatment so she could have the best doctors and the latest medications.
Don loved Fresno and was involved in many community endeavors. His long list of service to the Valley include: Chairman of the Fresno State Alumni Trust Council, Director of the Fresno State Alumni Association, Director of the Fresno Business Research & Development Corporation (CSUF), Chairman of the Fresno State President’s Advisory Council, Chairman of the Fresno Economic Development Corporation, Director of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, President of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, President of the American Savings & Loan Institute, President of the Mortgage Lenders Association of Central California, Director of Gottschalks Credit Receivables Corporation, and instrumental member of the Fresno County Transportation Authority that brought about the approvals and building of Freeway 41.
He was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Fresno State School of Business and The Arthur F. Safstrom Service Award for Distinguished Service to Alumni Association of California State University, Fresno.
Don was a longtime proud member of the Rotary Club of Fresno with 100% membership.
In 1980 his deep faith in God led him to co-found College Golf Fellowship. College Golf Fellowship is the only Christian ministry with the specific purpose of building into the lives of college golfers, sharing the hope of Christ with them, and discipling those who have placed their trust in Him. What began in Don’s living room is now a nationwide ministry that hosts 3-day retreats at the home of PGA Tour Partners for college golfers and helps point them to Christ. The eternal impact of this ministry has blessed many collegiate young men.
He had a long career in banking that began in 1958. In the 90’s he went into business with his son Michael and developed over 16 subdivisions and over 1,500 homes in the smaller outlying towns around Fresno. In 2019 he was thrilled when his grandson Jonathan joined the family business, and 3 generations of Schafer men began working together.
Regardless of all his other accolades, his greatest success and greatest joy was his family. His love and devotion to Alice was an example to his children and grandchildren. He loved taking all of them fly-fishing. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He was one of the good guys.
A memorial will be celebrated Friday, September 10th at 10 a.m. at The Well Community Church (Figarden Campus) 4545 N. Palm Ave, Fresno 93704
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made to College Golf Fellowship: www.collegegolffellowship.com/schafer or
College Golf Fellowship, 5098 Foothills Blvd. Suite 3-Unit 138, Roseville, CA 95747
February 2, 1938 – September 2, 2021
Fresno, California – The family of Donald James Schafer is sad to announce the passing of their beloved husband, father, father-in-law, and Papa in the early morning of September 2, 2021. His family was around him as he took his last breath and stepped into heaven with Christ already in his heart.
Don was born in Fresno in 1938 and was proud to be a lifelong Fresnan. He was the only child born to John and Emma Schafer, German immigrants born in Odessa, Russia.
As a first generation American, Don was an example of the opportunity that this great country offers to those who work hard and give it their best. Education was very important to him. A 1955 graduate of Roosevelt High School, he then went on to receive his B.S. in Accounting from Fresno State in 1960. He was also a graduate of the University of Washington’s School for Executive Development and then went on to receive a Savings and Loans graduate degree at Indiana University. Don also completed Residential & Commercial Property Appraisal Courses from UC Berkeley Extensions. His intellectual curiosity never ceased.
He was set up on a blind date that would change his life forever with Alice Benadom. They married in 1964 and just celebrated their 57th anniversary on July 18th. Don is survived by his wife Alice, their daughter Karen and her husband Pete Notz, son Michael and his wife Rhonda, and his favorite golf foursome of grandsons and fishing buddies Jonathan, Blake, and Gavin Schafer.
Don and Alice were profoundly devoted to each other and their family. Alice’s diagnosis in 1985 of Multiple Sclerosis was handled with a deep faith in God and uncanny resourcefulness. Don was able to research (this was before Google and computers) that the best help for her was in Germany. They spent many years going there for treatment so she could have the best doctors and the latest medications.
Don loved Fresno and was involved in many community endeavors. His long list of service to the Valley include: Chairman of the Fresno State Alumni Trust Council, Director of the Fresno State Alumni Association, Director of the Fresno Business Research & Development Corporation (CSUF), Chairman of the Fresno State President’s Advisory Council, Chairman of the Fresno Economic Development Corporation, Director of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, President of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, President of the American Savings & Loan Institute, President of the Mortgage Lenders Association of Central California, Director of Gottschalks Credit Receivables Corporation, and instrumental member of the Fresno County Transportation Authority that brought about the approvals and building of Freeway 41.
He was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Fresno State School of Business and The Arthur F. Safstrom Service Award for Distinguished Service to Alumni Association of California State University, Fresno.
Don was a longtime proud member of the Rotary Club of Fresno with 100% membership.
In 1980 his deep faith in God led him to co-found College Golf Fellowship. College Golf Fellowship is the only Christian ministry with the specific purpose of building into the lives of college golfers, sharing the hope of Christ with them, and discipling those who have placed their trust in Him. What began in Don’s living room is now a nationwide ministry that hosts 3-day retreats at the home of PGA Tour Partners for college golfers and helps point them to Christ. The eternal impact of this ministry has blessed many collegiate young men.
He had a long career in banking that began in 1958. In the 90’s he went into business with his son Michael and developed over 16 subdivisions and over 1,500 homes in the smaller outlying towns around Fresno. In 2019 he was thrilled when his grandson Jonathan joined the family business, and 3 generations of Schafer men began working together.
Regardless of all his other accolades, his greatest success and greatest joy was his family. His love and devotion to Alice was an example to his children and grandchildren. He loved taking all of them fly-fishing. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He was one of the good guys.
A memorial will be celebrated Friday, September 10th at 10 a.m. at The Well Community Church (Figarden Campus) 4545 N. Palm Ave, Fresno 93704
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made to College Golf Fellowship: www.collegegolffellowship.com/schafer or
College Golf Fellowship, 5098 Foothills Blvd. Suite 3-Unit 138, Roseville, CA 95747
Published by Fresno Bee on Sep. 8, 2021.
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