Patrick was born
on February 25, 1979 to Lewis and Rose Schafers and was the last of
twelve children. His brothers and sisters are all graduates of Pius
X including Celia (’74), Rene’ (’76), Tony (’79),
Marita (’80), Michael (’82), Paul (’84), Grace (’85),
Mathew (’88), Eric (’89), Andrew (’92) and Jeanette
(’94).
Patrick graduated from St. Teresa’s School in May 1994 and died
shortly after on June 29, 1994. Although his life on earth was relatively
short, Patrick made a huge impact on those who knew him. Patrick was
a friend to everyone and he loved to make people laugh. He loved to
be with and around people; he knew how to be a friend and was someone
you could talk to and confide in.
Patrick touched the heart of everyone he came in contact with. He
loved life and lived his life with no cares or worries. He was fascinated
with many things and his hobbies included collecting matchbook covers,
playing soccer and spending time with his friends.
Patrick loved to take things apart just to see how they worked, never
intending to put them back together again. One Christmas Patrick received
a battery-operated car and immediately disassembled it to see what
was inside and that is how it remained. He enjoyed Boy Scouting and
achieved the rank of Life Scout.
Patrick never took anything too seriously with exception of his faith
which was very dear to him. He loved our Lord and would stop by the
church to make a visit and kneel down in front of the Holy Family to
pray; his mom loved this most about him.
Patrick loved his mother and father and was a special brother to his
siblings. Patrick’s parents felt it was important for all children
to be able to receive a Catholic education.
Along with Patrick’s eleven siblings, he has seven nieces and
nephews who have either graduated from or are still attending Pius
X. They include Erin Wahl (’00), Nicole Wahl (’03), Danielle
(’06) who are daughters of Richard and Celia (’74) Schafers-Wahl;
Alyssha Schafers (’03), Melanie Schafers (’05) who are
daughters of Tony (’79) and Kim (’81) Akasamit-Schafers;
Jessica Schafers (’05) and Justine Schafers (’07) children
of Michael (’82) and Lisa (’83) Laux-Schafers.
Patrick’s brothers and sisters all remember Patrick in their
own ways and have different memories of him, but they all agree that
Patrick was a special child. His siblings have debated about who was
their mother’s “favorite,” but deep down, they all
know it was her “baby” Patrick. Patrick is missed by his
family and will always be loved. They know he is with his mother again
and they are together in heaven.