Robert Stuart “Bob” Schaefer

Former Owen’s Valley resident Robert Stuart “Bob” Schaefer, passed away suddenly in Carson City, Nevada on Saturday October 12, 2024. Bob passed away from complications of interstitial lung disease at the age of 82.

Bob was born on September 19, 1942 in Lone Pine, Ca and grew up at the Winnedumah Hotel in Independence, Ca. In his teenage years, Bob took interest with electronics and ham radios and eventually converted the outbuilding on the grounds of the Winnedumah into his ham radio shack. Shortly after graduating from high School Bob joined the U.S. Army Security Agency (ASA). Bob was trained as a high-speed Morse intercept operator and was stationed at the Herzo Base in Germany with Top Secret Crypto security clearance. After receiving an honorable discharge with Grade SP5 rank from the Army, Bob worked for Cal Electric for about five years and decided to pursue a career in electronics. Bob enrolled with the Cleveland Institute of Electronics and graduated in 1972 with a diploma in the field of telecommunications. Thereafter, Bob was hired by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Water & Power in the civil service classification of Communications Electrician. In 1998 Bob retired from LADWP as senior communications electrician and the following year he and his wife Bobbi moved to McCall Idaho and remained there until 2010, when they moved to Gardnerville Nevada.

Bobs’ work success can be contributed to his strong background in basic electrical and electronic fundamentals. Shortly after retirement, Bob decided to pursue his education in telecommunications and entered into a Merchant Marine academy and became licensed as a U.S. Merchant Marine Radio Officer. Bob was offered a job with Norwegian Cruise Lines on their newest ship in Hawaii, the “Pride of Hawaii” as a Communications Officer/Communications Engineer.

In 2007, Bob was offered a job by NASA to set up communication with the International Space Station and with Astronaut/Educator Barbara Morgan, who taught in the McCall Idaho school district.

Bob had fond memories of growing up and living in Independence. He could recall just about every person he knew there, who they were related to and where they lived. In addition, Bob knew a lot about the history of Independence and the surrounding areas of Lone Pine, Seven Pines, Fort Independence and Aberdeen.

While living in the Owens Valley, Bob was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was appointed Past Master of the Winnedumah Lodge #287 in Bishop. He also followed in the footsteps of his parents as 50-year members of the Eastern Star and he was appointed Past Patron of the Eastern Star. Bob was also a Life Member of the Mt. Whitney American Legion Post #265 in Independence.

Bob is survived by his sons, Rob and Jason, their families and mother, Carole Schaefer and by his brother Fred, and his family. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Bobbi, and by parents, Fred and Hattie Schaefer of Independence, CA.

Services will be held at the Pioneer Memorial United Methodist Church located at 157 N. Washington Street in Independence Ca. on December 07, 2024 at 2pm. Interment will follow at the Independence Cemetery where Bob will be laid to rest next to his wife Bobbi. A gathering will follow back at the Methodist church in the social hall.