John W. Schaefer, 82, of Sunman, Indiana died Friday, December 18, 2009 at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville, Indiana. He was born April 6, 1927 in Sunman, Indiana to Alfred Schaefer, Sr. and Bertha J. (Brichler) Schaefer. He married Ruth Windholtz, his wife of 47 years, who survives.He worked on the family farm for many years and was an Army Veteran of World War II. He retired from Schenley Distilleries in Lawrenceburg. John loved his garden, raising his rabbits, and you could always see him walking up and down the road, waving at everyone who passed by. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church in New Alsace, Indiana. He was also a member of American Legion Post #452 in New Alsace. In addition to his Wife, Ruth Schaefer of Sunman, he is survived by Son, Joe Schaefer of Sunman, Indiana; Daughter and Son-in-law, Jeanette and Darren Wilder of Greendale; Son and Daughter-in-law, Jim and Sue Schaefer of Sunman; Son, Jerry Schaefer of Sunman; Daughter, Julie Schaefer of Sunman; and Daughter Jen Schaefer of Lawrenceburg; Former Son-in-law, Clyde Johnson, Jr. of Metamora; six Grandchildren, Steve Johnson, Andrew and Alex Schaefer, and Megan, Sarah, and Emily Ferguson; seven Brothers, Harry "Butch" Schaefer of Weisburg, Ray (Marie) Schaefer of New Alsace, his twin brother, Alfred (Betty Jo) Schaefer, Jr. of Batesville, Elmer Schaefer of Greenwood, Robert Schaefer of Batesville, Ralph (Gayle) Schaefer of Lawrenceville, and Lester (Sandy) Schaefer of Blooming Grove; two Sisters, Bertha Mae Pfliegel of Osgood, and Rosemary Conrad of Cincinnati, Ohio; and also 31 Nieces and Nephews. His Parents, his Brother, Eugene, and an Infant Brother Joseph all preceded him in death.The Visitation will be Monday, December 21, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Cook Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman, Indiana 47041. A Rosary Service is tentatively scheduled for 4:00 PM at the Funeral Home Monday, December 21, 2009. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church in New Alsace, Indiana. Msgr. Rev. Knueven will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Paul Church Cemetery with Graveside Military Honors provided by New Alsace American Legion Post #452.Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Paul Catholic School CCD Religious Education Program or to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.Family members will serve as Pallbearers.The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and aides at St. Andrews Health Campus for their care and compassion at this difficult time.