Jerome William Schaefer, 93, of St. Cloud, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Jerome was the son of the late Casper and Rose (Muellenbach) Schaefer of Dotyville. He served in the United States Marine Corps with the 3rd Marine Division from February 1944 until March 1946. Jerome was stationed in Guam during World War II and participated in action in the Battle for Iwo Jima at Volcano Island. He was a member of St. Cloud American Legion Post 478. On April 9, 1947, Jerome married Thelma Pfeifer at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dotyville. He worked as an asphalter for twenty years and also farmed in the St. Cloud area from 1955 until 2002. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on farm equipment, gardening, bird watching, four wheeling, and welding. Jerome is survived by his wife, Thelma; their twelve children, Alan (Sharon) Schaefer, Ronald (Judy) Schaefer, Cheryl Sauer, Mary (Ron) Dugenske, Nancy (Mike) Pieper, David Schaefer, Lori Schaefer and special friend Pete Dreiling, Susan (Dave) Boyke, Jean (Dave) Pitzen, Gary (Julie) Schaefer, Mark Schaefer and special friend Kim Jennaro, and Joseph Schaefer; a special family friend, Jerry Sauer; 29 grandchildren; and 31 great grandchildren. He is further survived by five brothers, Wally Schaefer, Bernard Schaefer, Donald (Kathy) Schaefer, Gerald (Vicki) Schaefer, and Harold Schaefer; a sister, Marian (Don) Payant; three sisters in law, Carol Vogds, Theresa Pfeifer, and Connie Keyes; a brother in law, Marvin Grahl; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Herbert Schaefer; three sisters, Alice (Ruben) Krebsbach, LaVerne (Alphonse) Braun, and Florence Grahl; a brother in law, Rollie Pfeifer; four sisters in law, Mary Jane Schaefer, Irene Schaefer, Thelma Schaefer, and Vi (Dick) Loehr; a grandson, Ryan Doyle; and a great granddaughter, Willow Burg. A private funeral service for immediate family will be held at Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the family in Jerome's honor for the St. Cloud American Legion Post 478 or Hospice Home of Hope. Jerome leaves behind an incredible legacy. He and Thelma were looking forward to celebrating a remarkable 70 years of marriage this April. Adored by all in his sprawling family tree, he will be deeply missed. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud (920) 999-2291 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net