Rev. Elmer B. Schiefer
Jan. 21, 1926 – May 17, 2026

Rev. Elmer B. Schiefer died May 17, 2026. He was born in Vassar, Mich., Jan. 21, 1926, the second son of Edwin J. Schiefer and Agnes M. Block. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville, Mich. He married the love of his life, Bernice (Bea) O. Robinson, June 19, 1948, in Richville and they were blessed with 64 years together before God called her home Dec. 12, 2012.

Knowing from the age of six that he wanted to be a minister, Schiefer was ordained at St. Michael’s in Richville in 1950 and went on to serve congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Plumas and McCreary, Manitoba, Canada; Lone Elm, Mo.; Riley Township, Mich.; and Iva (Hemlock), Mich. He retired from Zion Lutheran Church in Iva in 1991 after 25 years of service there.

In 1993, Elmer and Bea moved from Michigan to Columbia, Mo. to be closer to their three children and grandchildren living there. He was blessed to answer the calling on his heart to shepherd the flock at Zion Lutheran Church in Lone Elm, Mo. as their vacancy pastor from 1998 until 2002 when he once again retired. He came out of retirement yet again when he was called to serve as vacancy pastor at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Ashland, Mo. from 2008 until his final retirement in Dec. 2024.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sandra Bailie, Deborah (Mike) Lenz, David (Michelle) Schiefer, and Christopher Schiefer; his four grandchildren, Rachel (Nicolas) Gray, Jordan (Jess) Schiefer, Evan (Alia) Schiefer, and Austin (Addie) Schiefer; his four great-grandchildren, Ava, Aiden, Cana, and River; his nephew, Gary Schiefer (Penny Miller); and his nieces, Karen (Larry) Bauer and Carol (Alan) Friday.

Joining him in the much-anticipated family reunion in heaven are Bea; his mother and father; his nephew, Kenneth Schiefer; his brother, Emil Schiefer; his sister-in-law, Alice Schiefer; his grandson, Andrew Lenz; and his son-in-law, James Bailie.

The steadfast faithfulness of God filled his life with joy and peace enabling him to share the unending love of God with people in all walks of life and through ever-changing circumstances. A true servant of God, he was blessed beyond measure to have served the Lord’s flock for 75 years.

In keeping with Pastor Schiefer’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a Celebration of Life visitation 4–7 p.m. Friday, June 5 at The Revolution Church, 203 East Leslie Lane, Columbia, MO 65202. At a future date, there will be a private committal service at St. Michael’s Cemetery, in Richville, Mich.