FATHER LESTER “LES” SCHAEFER, CSB

04/15/1932 - 03/05/2023

Father Les Schaefer, CSB died peacefully on March 4, 2023, at St. Dominic Village. He was 90 years old and had been a member of the Congregation of Priests of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers) for 71 years and a priest for 61 years.

Father Schaefer was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 15, 1932, the son of Lester Schaefer and Corinne Knapp. After graduating from Assumption High School in 1950, he entered St. Basil Novitiate, Richmond Hill, Ontario, where he made his first profession of vows in 1951. After earning an undergraduate degree from Assumption University of Windsor, he taught for two years at St. Thomas High School before earning a STB during his theological studies at St. Basil’s Seminary in Toronto. He was ordained a priest in 1961. In 1967 he also earned a MA from the University of Houston.

After ordination Fr. Schaefer spent all of his ministry years in high school education at either St. Thomas High School in Houston or Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, CA where he taught English or was the Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Councilor. He retired from the high school apostolate in 2006 and returned to Houston. In 2012 he moved to assisted living at St. Dominic Village.

Father Schaefer was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Myron. He is survived by his two sisters: Carol and Shirley, and three brothers: Larry, Marlon and Gary. He is mourned by his Basilian brothers and the many people whom he served over the years. Special thanks for the people at St. Dominic Village who cared for him.

A concelebrated funeral Mass will be at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road on Friday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 9:00a.m.. Burial will be the next day (Saturday) at 10:00 a.m. in the Basilian plot in Forest Park Cemetery, Lawndale. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Thomas High School (4500 Memorial Drive, Houston TX 77007).