Gary C. Schaefer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great grandfather and the godfather of pizza in the Aurora area. With his family at his bedside, Gary C. Schaefer, 92, passed away on August 23, 2024. 

Gary was born on August 20, 1932. After graduation from East Aurora high school, he joined the United States Army and after serving in the Korean war was awarded the National Defense Service and Korean Service medals.

United in marriage on May 1, 1954 to Marlene Anderson in Aurora, he proudly started his family and worked as owner of Gario’s Pizza. While his family and his business both grew, he shared his love of making pizza with his friends and helped them to open their own pizza businesses in the area to help them provide for their families.

Gary’s spirit of generosity knew no bounds, always putting other’s needs above his own. And what Gary felt that most people needed was to have a good time. Whether it was his love of music, watching sports especially the Chicago Cubs, taking fishing trips or playing 18 on the golf course, Gary had a doctorate in having a good time and always tried to bring along as many people as he could to enjoy it with him. Then there was the pizza place itself, the central hub where all his hard work and love for cooking was on display. And with the juke box blasting and the drinks flowing, the party never stopped.

Now with his passing, we are left with a sadness and a void that feels like the music has stopped and its last call. He will be deeply missed, but not forgotten. The song may have finished but the inspiration from it hasn’t. While it may be his last call, there will be many raised glasses in his honor.

Gary is survived by his children, Linda Beyer, Debbi (Rickey) Wilson, Brenda (Dan) Rompf, Jennifer Rogers, Gary (Nyah) Schaefer, and 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and the numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marlene, his 2 sons, John and Scott, his daughter, Cathy, 3 brothers, 1 sister and his mother.

The family thanks the staff at Pavilion on Main in Sandwich and Devine Hospice for their compassionate care of Gary.

All are welcome to attend a visitation at 9 A.M followed by mass at 10 A.M. at St Paul Apostle Church at 340 Arnold St. Sandwich, IL 60548 on Monday September 9th, 2024. This will be followed by a burial a Lincoln Memorial Cemetery at 675 US-30, Aurora, IL 60503. We will also be holding a reception at Gario’s Pizza Villa at 813 Montgomery Rd. Montgomery, IL 60538. 

Please come together to share stories, offer support and pay your respects. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. For additional information, call Beverage Family Funeral Home at 815-786-6715 or www.beveragefamilyfh.com.