Ken & Mable Schaefer

Mable Schaefer (1916-2012) was the bookkeeper for her family’s business, Schaefer Well Drilling. She married her husband, Kenneth, in February 1941. They had one son, Robert, who passed away unexpectedly from an illness in 1959, at the age of 11. Mable was completely devoted to her son and husband. She enjoyed gardening at home and later at Eden Meadows.

Kenneth Schaefer (1917-2005) owned Schaefer Well Drilling, was a member of the Oshkosh Builders Association, a proud union member, and a member of the American Legion Cook-Fuller Post 70. He served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees, earning numerous sharp shooter awards. After retiring, Ken fixed hundreds of bicycles for children living near the W. Ninth Ave and Cumberland Trail neighborhood, never charging for his work replacing tires, seats, and whatever else was needed. He was known for his devotion to his wife and son, his good natured personality, his generosity and care for others, his honesty and work ethic, his ever present wink and smile, and his vise grip-like handshake.

Ken and Mable established the Ken & Mable Schaefer Scholarship in 1999, in memory of their son. They created this fund to assist UW Oshkosh students who might not otherwise be able to pursue their education.