Michael Reno Schaefer

Lt. Michael Reno Schaefer, (US Navy, Retired), age 73, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016.
A native of Dubuque, Iowa, Mr. Schaefer most recently resided in Diamondhead, MS. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of New Orleans and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Michael, first and foremost, loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Michael was a devout Catholic and a member of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He also loved Western movies and playing golf and tennis. After a 20 year career in the United States Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant, he went on to acquire his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Afterwards, he spent 30 years in the aerospace and automotive industries performing accounting, auditing, and quality management. Michael served as President of the University of Southern Mississippi's Alumni Association. He was also a former Commander of VFW Post 2880 and served as Treasurer of the Diamondhead Water and Sewer District. At the time of his passing, he served as Treasurer of the Diamondhead Property Owner's Association. He will be truly missed by his family, friends, and business associates. He was an honest, hard-working, family man that set his example by his actions, not just his words. Michael can now rest easy while eating candy bars and watching western movies with Jesus.
Mr. Schaefer was preceded in death by his parents, Reno and Mary Welch Schaefer; his brother, Steve Schaefer; and his sister, ""Mary"" Kathryn Schaefer.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Ellen C. Schaefer; his children, Dr. Julie (Dr. Warren) Taylor, Renee (P.J.) Mauffray, Amy (Kevin) Jacobi, and Scott (Katie) Schaefer; his sisters, Priscilla (Ron) Eklund and Patricia (Harry) Wickering; his brothers, Paul (Jan) Schaefer and Peter (Terry) Schaefer; and his grandchildren, Emily and Sara Taylor, Allison and Meredith Mauffray, Ethan and Mason Jacobi, and Ava and Lily Schaefer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 PM on Tuesday, January 12, 2015, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Kiln DeLisle Rd., Pass Christian. There will be a visitation from 11 AM - 1 PM in the church. Burial will be held at a later date at Biloxi National Cemetery. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Rd., Pass Christian, served the family.
An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital.