John Arthur Schaeffner

John Arthur Schaeffner

John Arthur Schaeffner, age 79, died at home in Wasilla on March 7, 2021, with his family by his side. He lost his battle with cancer and went home to be with his Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Julia Ann “Julie”; daughter, Rhonda Fischer; son, Mark, four grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; brother, Dale, (Alton, New Hampshire); two sisters, Laura Mae Gardner, (Tucson, Arizona), and Alice Cochrane, (Kalispell, Montana); and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Bessie Mae; brother, James; and two half brothers, Paul and Donald.

John was born October 10, 1941, and raised in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where he loved to hunt, fish, and go camping with friends and family. John enjoyed gardening and tinkering around his home. In 1984, John moved his family to Palmer, Alaska, where they lived for a short time, and in 1989 moved back to Idaho. In 2007, they moved back to Wasilla, Alaska, to be near their daughter and family. John built their home out in the country where they could enjoy the beauty of Alaska and watch the moose graze in the yard.

John loved to “Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord”. He joined the worship team at Fairview Loop Baptist Church where he enjoyed praising the Lord in song.

John was in the Peace Corps in Morocco from 1962-1964, working as an irrigation specialist.

There will be a Celebration of Life on May 15th , 2021, at Fairview Loop Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Tom Hoffman officiating. There will be a potluck following the service.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that you make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.