Robert ’Bumpy’ Schaefer

Robert ‘Bumpy’ Schaefer, age 85, of Mayville passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2024 at his home with his family at his side.

A funeral service for Bumpy will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 12 noon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Traci Maass officiating. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at noon at the church. Private family interment will take place at Graceland cemetery in Mayville.

Bumpy was born the son of Delmar and Esther (Weber) Schaefer on April 3, 1939. H was a 1957 graduate of Mayville High School. 2 years later, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Metzdorf. They were blessed with 3 children- Michael (Carolyn) Schaefer, Todd Schaefer, and Dawn (Scott) Kollmansberger, all of Mayville.

Bumpy worked at Reiling and Endlich furniture factory in 1957, then moving on to Al Streed Die & Tool and eventually ending at Mayville Die & Tool, where he retired after 37 years of service. Many of those years were spent serving as a union steward.

While in Mayville, Bumpy served on the Mayville Fire Department as well as the ambulance crew for almost 24 years. He was a lifetime member of the Horicon Marsh Bowmen and was well known for his superior accuracy as an instinctive shooter. Alongside his wife Carol, they opened a restaurant of course called- ‘Bumpy’s’, which they ran for over 10 years. He served lots of breakfast specials and was often known for visiting with friends with a ‘foamy cup of coffee’.

Bumpy also loved Mayville High School Football, where he served on the chain gang for over 30 years and received the Katie Award for his dedicated service. That tradition was passed on to both of his sons.

He loved deer hunting and spent many weekends with his hunting club, 1240 River City in Neillsville where he belonged for over 50 years. He and carol also spent many days four wheeling with friends.

After he retired, Bumpy and Carol moved to Neshkoro where they purchased a lake home and enjoyed the retired life. He loved spending time with family and friends. He always enjoyed his kids and grandkids in sports and various activities. He enjoyed entertaining friends, having jart tournaments and playing ‘the swamp monster’. He also purchased land outside of Neshkoro to continue hunting with his sons until his final days.

If you really knew Bumpy, you know how famous he was for his stories. Our hope is that you think of him every now and then and remember one or two of those stories and know he is smiling down.

Bumpy is survived by his wife Carol of Mayville. His children- Michael ‘Mouse’ (Carolyn) Schaefer, Todd Schaefer, and Dawn (Scott) Kollmansberger, all of Mayville. His grandchildren- Ashley Kollmansberger, Rachel (Cody) Westimayer, Tonya (Brandon Schultz) Kollmansberger, Kristin Schaefer, Aaron (Alyse) Schaefer, Adam Schaefer, Courtney Schaefer, and Kayla (fiancé’ Randall Cornwall) Schaefer. His great grandchildren- Aspen, Dakota, Charlotte, Bristol, Granger, Kennedy, Hadley, Zaylee, Brexton, and Ryler.

Bumpy will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mayville Fire Department.

Special thanks to Aurora Hospice at Home for the care and support shown to Bumpy and his family.