Stephen Richard Schaetzel (known as Steve, Dad, and Papa), 81, of Republic MO entered eternity on Friday, April 17th, 2026. Stephen was born on Friday, October 13th, 1944 in Alhambra, CA to Stephen Charles Schaetzel and Helen Martha Peterson Schaetzel.

Stephen was the only son born between two wonderful sisters, older sister Joan and younger sister Claudia. He was married in Alhambra, CA, August 3rd, 1968 to his wife Patricia Ann Byard. They had three children, one boy and two girls as well, Shane Stephen, Jennifer Lynn, and Rachel Ann.

Stephen graduated from Alhambra High School before attending California State Polytechnic University and after serving his country in the Navy, attended California State University Los Angeles where he completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

In 1967, Steve joined the US Navy for 6 years where he served in the Communication Security Division. Steve was assigned to the Kamiseya base in Japan during the Vietnam War and although he was instructed to come by himself, he was determined to bring his wife, Patricia, with him. Together, they resided in a small community off base for two years. They returned stateside in 1970, just in time for the arrival of their first born, Shane. They later settled down and bought a home in West Covina, CA and added two more daughters to the family, Jennifer and Rachel. The Schaetzel family has many cherished and fond memories living on Lyall Avenue and they built many lifelong friendships.

Steve worked and retired as an electrical engineer for Astro-Science, a company later named Datatape, a division of Kodak. His aerospace career spanned 25 years and entailed large collaborative projects involving the US government and military as well as the NASA space shuttle program.

Post-retirement, in 1993, Steve, Patricia, and youngest daughter, Rachel, moved to Republic, MO for a slower pace of life. His two older children moved to Republic not too long afterwards and began their new ventures as Missouri residents. With all the family back together, they now called the Ozarks their home.

Steve loved Christ and his faith became a focus in his life. He attended Calvary Chapel Golden Springs in Diamond Bar, California and later Calvary Chapel of Springfield, MO where he actively served in the prayer ministry.

Steve loved bass fishing and camping. He found peace and joy in being on the lake fishing and spending time with his family. When his physical condition prohibited him from camping in tents, he spent many vacations at the Wilderness Club Big Cedar near Table Rock Lake with his family and friends on his bass boat, fishing for any fish that would bite.

Steve adored his country and July 4th was a holiday that held great significance to him. His excitement for Independence Day was highlighted by making sure he had a massive firework display every year. He cherished watching his kids and grandkids light fireworks all night and celebrating this great country.

It was a right of passage for all of his grandchildren to play “Papa” in chess. He taught and played chess with his kids and grandkids and many of the staff and residents at Republic Nursing and Rehab where he resided these last years. Though the strategy of the game was being played out, it was really about connecting, teaching, and spending valuable time with them.

Stephen is preceded in death by his parents and one sister Claudia Essma.

He is survived by his wife, one son Shane Schaetzel (wife Penny) of Republic, MO, two daughters Jennifer Crowley (husband Stephen) of Republic MO and Rachel Steele (husband Joshua) of Pleasant Hope, MO, one sister Joan and nine grandchildren Michael and Lauren Schaetzel, Zachary Crowley (wife Piper), Clayton Crowley (wife Emma), Jaden and Josie Crowley and Jaxon, Castle and Braddock Steele.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. Procession and interment with full military honors will take place at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd., Springfield, MO 65804. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org Online Condolences can be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com