Douglas C. Schaefer, age 46, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026.  Doug was born in Appleton on July 11, 1980, to David Schaefer and the late Eileen (Tordeur) Rose-Schultz.

He graduated with the Class of 1998 from Freedom High School. Doug dedicated his career to the road, working as a truck driver. He proudly logged over one million miles behind the wheel.

On April 2, 2011, Doug was united in marriage to the love of his life, Genifer Schaefer. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their travels took them to 19 countries and 26 states, creating countless memories along the way. They especially loved exploring the open road on their motorcycle, taking unforgettable journeys to Sturgis and riding the Tail of the Dragon.

Above all, Doug cherished his family and the time they shared together. Some of his happiest memories were made on family camping trips in the RV, where everyone could slow down, laugh, and simply enjoy being together. His children were his greatest pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at their sporting events or proudly watch them perform in their plays and concerts. Being there for his children and celebrating their accomplishments brought him immense happiness and was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Doug will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, unwavering devotion to his family, quick sense of humor, and remarkable craftsmanship. Above all, he will be remembered for the countless memories he created and the love, laughter, and joy he shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Doug will be deeply missed by his wife Genifer of Greenville; their four children:  Aaliyah, Gerald, Emily, and Autumn; his father Dave Schaefer of Appleton; two sisters: Sarah (Chad) Bungert of Hortonville, and Hope (Cody) Chaplin of Oshkosh, and brother-in-law Craig (Kim) Jorgenson of Florida; four nieces: Alexis, Charlotte, Lexi Rhien, and Lena; four nephews: Wyatt, Jaxon, Andrew, and Lucas; and his mother-in-law Sue Otto (Craig) of Hortonville. Doug will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and very close friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Eileen Rose-Schultz, stepmother Betty Schaefer, and fathers-in-law Walter Schaefer and Mark Jorgenson, grandparents Gerald and Dolores Schaefer and Chris A. and Catherine Tordeur.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, August 21, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church, N2385 Municipal Drive, Greenville.  Friends may visit at Brettschneider Trettin Nickel Funeral Chapel, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton, on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm and then directly at the church the following day, on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 9:00 am until the time of service.  Interment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Greenville.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Klinkhammer, Dr. Munson, Dr. Bovie, Dr. Stoffel, and Dr. Andrews-Fike, along with the compassionate oncology nurses at ThedaCare Cancer Center and the amazing 5th/1st floor nurses at ThedaCare Neenah. Your kindness, care, and compassion will always be remembered.

-The amount of good things in our lives depends solely on our ability to notice them-