Richard Earl Schafer, age 61, of Portage passed away April 23, 2023. He was born on February 1, 1962 in Gary, Indiana to the late Richard and Geraldine Schafer. As a 1981 graduate of the Indianapolis School for the Deaf, he continued to keep in touch with his classmates. He had a passion for cars and loved to fix them. He worked as a mechanic for Phelps Auto Repairs and enjoyed watching NASCAR. Above all, he loved his family and cherished the time he got to spend with his grandkids.

He is survived by his son, Richard Gordon (Tara Steepleton) Schafer; daughter, Breanna Clemans; grandchildren, Caden Steepleton, Skylah and Delilah Hudson; brother, Joe Sistanich; sisters, Debbie Sistanich, Jody Sistanich; and nieces, Kristan Glancy and Ashley Boger.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Boger.

There will be a celebration of Richard's life at a later date. Cremation was entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfunerahomes.com.