Wendell Schafer of Malta, died on March 5, 2026, with his daughter at his side.
 
Wendell was born on July 11, 1942, the son of Rudolph and Vivian (Worden) Schafer of Malta.  Wendell attended Malta schools and graduated from Malta High School in 1960.
 
Wendell married Janet Willrett in 1963 and together they had two daughters, Joan and Debra.  Although they divorced, they remained committed to remaining friends and being the best parents possible to their two girls. 
 
In 1990, Wendell met Marce Ellis which was the start of their 36-year relationship.  Although they never formally married, Marce and her son, Nick, became family just the same.  Marce was devoted to him and spent many years caring for him.
 
Wendell farmed and raised cattle for his entire life starting at a young age at his father’s side and continued until he retired in 2019.  For many years he was a board member of the Malta Cemetery Association and took great pride in the cemetery’s upkeep.  He was also a member of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. 
 
Survivors include his partner, Marce Ellis; his daughters, Joan (Phil) Jachowski and Debra Schafer; Marce’s son, Nick Ellis; his grandchildren, Christopher and Tyler (Dani) Jachowski, and Alex and Anna Ellis, and great-granddaughter, Avery Jachowski.  He is also survived by his sister, Barbara (Robert) Schick; nephew, Greg (Liz) Schick and niece, Tara (Joe) Sommers.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Alice Cradduck, and his nephew, Brian Schick.
 
The family is grateful to the staff at Lincolnshire Place and Serenity Hospice for their care for Wendell in his final days.  Special thanks to Noel and Ed Arndt for their help and support.
 
Cremation services provided by Anderson Funeral Home.  At Wendell’s request (demand really), there will be no services.  Private burial to follow in the summer.  

Memorials may be made to the Malta Cemetery Association, c/o Anderson Funeral Home, PO Box 605, 2011 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.