Paul Schaefer III

Paul V. Schaefer III, 81, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025.

Visitation will be 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Decatur. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday at the church with Fr. Rick Weltin, Celebrant. Burial will be in South Macon Township Cemetery, Macon, IL. Memorials in Paul’s honor may be made to: Catholic Charities or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Paul was born April 16, 1944 in Decatur, the son of Paul Schaefer, Jr. and Jennie (Deason) Schaefer. He married Sandra White on July 23, 1977 in Decatur at St. James Catholic Church. Paul and his family owned and operated Schaefer’s Lanes on William Street in Decatur for many years, and Paul and Sandy assumed ownership and operations from his father and mother. He and Sandy operated the bowling alley until their retirement. Paul was an avid bowler and loved to travel with Sandy. He also enjoyed watching the markets and investing, a skill he learned from his father. Paul was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Sandy; sister, Sue (Norman) Hohenstein of New Hope, MN; brother, John Michael Schaefer of Plano, TX; sister, Kathy (Dennis) Wagner of Charlotte, NC; and brother, Philip (Danette) Schaefer of Mahomet, IL; sister-in-law, Patti (Russell) Groeteke of Ft. Myers, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Priscilla Schaefer; and brother-in-law, Thom Moomey.