Joseph "Joe" R. Schaefer of Atkinson, NH, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH with Lorraine Bomba by his side. He leaves behind a legacy marked by service, curiosity, devotion to family, and a quiet but unwavering commitment to making the world a little better wherever he went. He was 84 years old. To honor Joe's wishes, there will be a private service.

Born on May 2, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Joe and Eileen "Dot" Schaefer, Joe was the eldest of eight siblings and grew up in the tight-knit communities of Tennyson and Potosi, Wisconsin. From a young age, he embraced a life of hard work and responsibility, raising pigs to help pay for school, working in his father's feed mill, and lending a hand with the family's turkey farm. Those early years would instill in him the
values of persistence, humility, and care for others.

Education was a guiding force in Joe's life. He studied at Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse, WI for two years before graduating from Loras Academy and earning his degree in Business from Loras College in 1963. Even during those formative years, he served, spending college summers in the Navy Reserve and participating in ship duty at both Great Lakes, IL and Norfolk, VA.

Shortly after graduation, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Supply Officer in 1964. He served more than four years at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York, rising to the rank of Captain. His military service reflected the deep sense of duty and order that remained with him throughout his life.

Professionally, Joe thrived in the fast-evolving world of high-tech manufacturing. He brought structure and efficiency to companies like Honeywell, Polaroid, Digital, Wang and Hadco, helping implement systems for computers, cameras, and printed circuit boards long before they became household staples. Later, his knack for detail and love for numbers led him to a new chapter: working as a tax consultant for the IRS and
volunteering through AARP to assist seniors with tax preparation.

Joe was as vibrant in his personal life as he was in his career. He was a lifelong athlete, enjoying basketball, softball, tennis, and golf. He especially cherished hiking through New Hampshire's White Mountains, often pairing his physical pursuits with thoughtful reflection. An avid reader, Joe devoured books on history, biographies, composers, world leaders, and business. He had a deep love for music, particularly classical, and often found joy in the rhythm of a good symphony or the insights of a well-written memoir.

He had an analytical mind and an investor's spirit, always keeping a close eye on the stock market, real estate trends, and tax codes, more out of fascination than fortune. His conversations were often peppered with insights from his reading, military background, or lifelong interest in global affairs.

Joe cherished his connections with family which included his former wives, Lorraine Bomba and Joan Schaefer. His relationship with each reflected chapters of mutual respect, love and care. He maintained bonds with both women as well as Lorraine's family. His love was known and he cherished the role of 'Papa'. He remained deeply connected to his own siblings and their children, always taking pride in their lives and accomplishments.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Eileen; brothers Gene and Jerry and brother-in-law Dave Timmerman.

He is survived by former wife and special friend Lorraine Bomba, Lorraine's children Garrett (Dawn) Bomba and Randy (Tatenda) Bomba, and her grandchildren, Jackson, Taylor, Rowan, Skyler and Zanorashe.

He is also survived by his siblings: Bill and Ina Schaefer (Potosi, WI), Mary Timmerman (Dickeyville, WI), Connie and Tim Walsh (Dubuque, IA), (Jerry) Deb Schaefer (Amana, IA), Ruth Schaefer and Sam Brinkman (Sun Prairie, WI), Denis and Sara Schaefer (Grimes, IA), former wife and special friend Joan Schaefer (Milford, MA) and many nieces, nephews, and extended family, who carried forward his spirit of resilience and
love.

Joe lived a life both wide and deep rooted in tradition, propelled by curiosity, and shaped by a sense of responsibility to something greater than himself. Whether serving his country, supporting family and friend, or volunteering quietly in his community, his presence was a steady and thoughtful one. His legacy is not just in the work he did but in the lives he touched, the wisdom he shared, and the gentle, faithful way he moved through the world.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Thank you to the amazing team at Parkland Medical Center. Your kindness, compassion, and dedication to Joe's comfort and care in his final days will forever be in our hearts.

Also, thank you to the staff at Carrier Family Funeral Home. We appreciate your dedication and
compassion in helping us honor our loved one.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com
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