Jerome “Jerry” Alexander Schaefer
On the morning of September 3, 2025, Jerry passed away in his home in Miles City, Montana as a result of an ongoing battle with cancer. Jerry was 60 years old.
Jerry was born in the city of Long Beach in Los Angeles County, California at 2:48pm on August 10th, 1965. He was the third of 12 children, and second son, of Leo Anthony and Anne Magdalynn Schaefer.
Jerry has always been lovingly referred to as a modern Tom Sawyer. In his early years, he spent his time hopping trains, creating grand adventures with his friends, and learning skills to become a true Jack of all trades. Jerry’s wild streak was only tempered by his duty to those he loved.
Jerry created games for his brothers and sisters, made sure everything worked in their house, and did everything he could to make sure that his large family had everything they needed to keep life moving while his father, Leo, worked to support them.
This translated into his early adulthood, where he fulfilled his dream of having a family of his own. Together with his wife and love of his life of 42 years, Donna Helen Schaefer, Jerry had 4 boys.
Jerry never gave up his love of adventure. He loved camping and exploring. He wanted to climb every mountain and walk every fallen log. He loved to visit lakes, rivers, forests, and caves. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he never had a shadow of a doubt, and that made him fearless.
Jerry was also very spiritual. He enjoyed meditation, working on his physical body and energy. He believed in putting out positive energy and receiving positive energy in return. He didn’t allow his children to say things like, “I can’t.” or “That’s impossible.” because to him, those were the most destructive curse words you could say. He taught his children that you can achieve anything you set your mind to and all things are possible.
Mentality over matter was a core principle Jerry lived by. He always had an answer for every situation and came at every problem from the angle of solving it, the consequences could come after, if need be. He was always there to self-sacrifice if it meant that his loved ones struggled less. He would do everything in his power to ensure that his family was safe, healthy and happy. He was incredibly intelligent, skillful, strong, and capable. If he didn’t already know how to fix it, he was about to learn. He was a brilliant mechanic, carpenter, electrician, game master, gardener, and baker; but far more than all of these titles, he was an incredibly devoted husband and father, who cared for each and every need of the people who relied on him without falter, and without “too much” complaint. He never stopped fighting to be there for his loved ones and bringing them laughter and sarcasm to fill their hearts. He will continue to do so in the memories he’s left behind. The impact left on the hearts and minds of those touched by his light is indelible.
Jerry is preceded in death by his father Leo, and his mother Anne.
Jerry is survived by his wife Donna, their son Justin, his wife Jenn, and their children Xaidyn and Amirra, their son Jon, his wife Breanna, and their children Gabriel, Adam, and Sawyer, their son Joseph, his partner Reaenn, and their children Benjamin and Jackson, and their son Jad.
In lieu of flowers, the family of the deceased would like any donations sent to Jerry’s GoFundMe for assistance with funeral expenses, and for condolences to be sent to Stevenson & Son’s official obituary forum page for Jerry’s passing.
We would like to thank the hospice care nurses of Intermountain Health, the fine folks at Action Montana, and the institution of Wake up and Lace up for assisting with the end of life care for Jerry with in-person care, and alleviation of financial burdens. We would also like to thank the Sleep Inn & Suites, and the staff of their Miles City location for Donna as much time as possible with her husband in the final year, and the Lucky Lil’s Casino staff for continuing to help ease the responsibility and stress placed on the Jerry until their last day of employment. Finally, we would like to thank all of the friends and family of Jerry for going far and above to show their love and support for the family in these difficult times, both through the gift of their own time, and in the gift of food, supplies, and funds to assist in easing the burdens of the family.
No services are planned at this time.
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Dixie Rieger says
So sorry for the loss of Jerry. He was a great man. Always so kind to me. He shall be missed.
Chris & Kayla Carpenter says
Chris and I are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Joe,Jad,Justin john and family. Our prayers are with you all in this time of need..