Gregory "Greg" Schaefer's Obituary
Gregory "Greg" Schaefer December 15, 1951 - October 29, 2025 The world feels a little quieter and the water a little stiller with the passing of Gregory (Greg) Schaefer, who left us peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the age of 73.
Raised in Oshkosh, WI, Greg grew up with a deep love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the simple joys of life. From the first fish he caught as a boy to the last sunrise he watched from his favorite spot by the lake, he lived a life anchored in nature and friendship.
Greg was the devoted husband of the late Angela "Angie" (Troudt) Schaefer, the love of his life and truly his best catch. A fisherman through and through, Greg had a patience and reverence for the water that mirrored the calm strength of his soul.
Greg looked forward to his yearly Alaska fishing trips with his dear friend Rick Volkman, a tradition that became one of the greatest joys of his life. When he wasn't casting a line, you could find him in the woods, taking in the quiet of the hunt.
Greg was also an avid gardener who took pride in tending his vegetables and turning them into delicious recipes. In recent years, Greg discovered a new passion in pickleball at the Oshkosh Community YMCA, where his time at the YMCA was as much about camaraderie as competition.
His faith was also a source of strength-he was a proud member of the Emmaus Ecumenical Catholic Community of Oshkosh. And, of course, no one will forget his legendary fish fry dinners, gatherings that were never just about the food but about bringing people together, sharing stories and celebrating life the way he always did-generously and joyfully.
To those who knew him, Greg was steady, kind, and genuine-a man who never hesitated to lend a hand or share a story. He believed in showing up, in doing the right thing, and in savoring the moment, whether it was a quiet morning on the lake or a lively evening with loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Angie Schaefer, his parents George and Patricia Schaefer, Jr. and great-niece Kera Alvarez. He is survived by his siblings Chris (Dennis) Stadler, Wendy (Gary) Gelhar, Lance (Cindy) Schaefer, Steph (Phil) Netzer and Cory Schaefer; his uncle Jerry (Jane) Lautenschlager; numerous cousins; 6 nieces; 7 nephews; 4 great nieces; 9 great nephews; sister-in-law Jody Troudt and her son Ryan (Sterling) Howes; sister-in-law Tracy (John Wrasse) Troudt and her daughter Bailey (Jarred Reeves) Steckbauer and son Sam (Claire) Steckbauer, 2 great nieces and 2 great nephews; and countless friends, who will forever cherish his wisdom, his humor, and the countless memories.
A private family service will be held and a celebration to honor Greg's life will take place on Saturday, November 22 from 1-3pm at The Fountain Tavern in Oshkosh. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations of your choice be made in his memory.
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