Kurt Gregory Schaefer

Kurt Gregory Schaefer, 77, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on November 30, 2023, after a three-year battle with Vascular Dementia. 

Kurt was born on December 1, 1945, in Erding, Germany.  Kurt spent the first ten years of his life in post-war Germany, until an American Military family adopted him, his brother Pete, and sister Petra.  Living in a military family, he spent his childhood in various parts of the United States, Germany, and Iran.  Kurt graduated from Lompoc High School in Lompoc, California in 1964.  In 1965 Kurt was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War.  Kurt served his country with honor and pride in Vietnam, piloting a Huey Helicopter and operating as a Crew Chief.  Kurt demonstrated great heroism while serving his country, as his helicopter was shot down on three separate occasions.  He left the Army having earned a Bronze Star Medal, an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, and an Expert Rifle Badge.

In May of 1976 Kurt graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.  In his professional life, Kurt worked in sales and telecommunications with Motorola, Midland Radio, and Kennedy Communications in San Antonio.

Kurt was a loving father, husband, and friend.  He cherished his family and friends and took great pride in being an American citizen.  Kurt had a deep love for animals, caring for many pets and volunteering in animal rescue organizations with his wife Mary.  Kurt also loved golf - he was the club professional at the Westlake Golf Course in Thousand Oaks, California after he returned from Vietnam.  In his later years, he actively participated in his neighborhood homeowner’s association, contributing to the betterment of his community.  All these activities brought him joy and allowed him the opportunity to be closer with his friends and family.

Kurt is survived by his sisters, Petra Cantini of Houston and Ada Blacey of San Antonio, his brothers Alois Bruckmeier of Bad Sobernhein, Germany and Pete Schaefer of Corpus Christi, and his sons Clint Schaefer of Fairview and Richard Schaefer of San Antonio.  He was preceded in death by his father Lt. Col USAF Raymond Schaefer, his mother Goldean Morgan Schaefer, his brother Tony Bruckmeier, his sister Johanna Bruckmeier, and his wife Mary Schaefer.

A Memorial Service to honor Kurt’s life will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Crematory, and Memorial Park in San Antonio, TX on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 1:00pm.  Interment will occur afterwards at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Kurt’s name or Peach Tree Place - 315 W. Anderson, Weatherford, TX 76086.  The family would like to thank the staff at Peach Tree for their care and love of Kurt during the last year of his life.  Kurt will be deeply missed by his loved ones, friends, family, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.  May he rest in peace.