"Thank you Tate for reminding the world how to Fight, and how to Live. I did not have the honor of knowing Tate personally, but I am grateful to have experienced his amazing force and personality through the stories, videos and pictures shared during his fight these last few years. What can anyone say besides ?Wow, what a kid?. Brad, Darcy and Teagan, Thank You for gifting us the opportunity to be part of Tate?s journey. My deepest and sincere sympathies to you all, Carisa Driscoll "
In loving memory of
Tate Bradley Schaefer
August 13, 2007 - March 29, 2021
Williamsburg-Tate Bradley Schaefer was born August 13, 2007 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa to Brad and Darcy Schaefer. He entered this world full of laughter, compassion, spirit, and always smiling and that is how he left us. After being the most courageous warrior and faithful servant in a battle against DIPG for 27 1/2 months, Tate ran into the arms of his Savior on Monday morning March 29, 2021 at the age of 13. He was surrounded in love and comfort by his parents and loving sister, Teagan.
Tate was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was baptized Sept 16, 2007. It was here that his faith and love for Jesus grew and allowed him to be at peace with being called to his Heavenly home.
Tate attended Williamsburg Schools his entire life and was always proud to be a Raider! In addition to idolizing his hometown heroes, Tate loved his Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He could be found any game day in front of the TV or watching passionately in person with his competitive spirit. Tate and his family had the opportunity to be a part of Los Angeles Rams football games as well as watch The Masters in person...every sports fan dream! Sports meant so much to Tate beyond a win or a loss. It allowed him to find people he idolized and looked up too, create lifelong friendships, and provide him an outlet to truly be himself.
Tate loved his family and his friends with everything he was and had the most amazing and beautiful sister with whom he shared a bond that can never be broken. He was often the source of a good joke and the laughter that followed and could sit down and enjoy time with anyone of any age.
Tate is survived by his parents Brad & Darcy Schaefer; a sister Teagan Schaefer all of Williamsburg; grandparents Gene & Carla Schaefer of Williamsburg and Gene & Diane Von Ahsen of Homestead; great grandma Esther Trimpe Sandersfeld; Aunts, Uncles & Cousins: Becca Schaefer of Williamsburg; Derek, Jessica, Jackson, Cole, Olivia Von Ahsen of South Amana; Beth (Nate Weltner) of Ankeny; Brett, Jane, Will, Kate Van Zee of Clive; Lindsay, Shane, Lauren, Ethan Alertsen of Granger; and Jillian, Stephane, Zoe, Tessa Laroche of Nigeria, Africa.
He was preceded in death by his Grandma Angel Linda Schaefer; Great Grandparents; and fellow warriors who have found their healing in Heaven.
We will all miss the joy Tate brought to our lives while he was here, his amazing smile that warmed every heart who saw it, his ability to bring laughter to every situation...everything about him. If you knew him, you know what he meant to you and how he made your life better by being in it. Tate would want you each to remember that and honor him by loving and living like he did.
Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 am on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the Williamsburg High School Gym. The service will be Live streamed on YouTube Williamsburg CSD Raiders. Pastor Richard Meyer will officiate. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 2:00 - 7:00 pm at the Williamsburg High School Gym. Please show your support and wear TaterTough gear. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the TaterTough Fund at PO Box 689, Williamsburg, Iowa 52361. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Tate and his family. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
The funeral service on Friday, will be livestreamed on the Williamsburg High School You Tube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/c/WilliamsburgCSD
Tributes
"Brad, Darcy, and Teagan - it\'s hard for anyone to imagine the loss of a child. God had a plan for Tate and part of that plan had to be the impact he had on those that followed him, and all of you, through this difficult journey. His infectious smile and his deep faith were an inspiration to so many. You have one amazing angel keeping guard over you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and t h e days ahead. God bless you all??"
"I hope you fly high and soar with the winds ?"
"He was such a great kid"
"I am so sorry for your loss Schaefer family. Please keep all those wonderful memories close to your heart during this difficult time. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. "
"So sorry to hear of Tate?s passing. Your family has our sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Judy and John Lillis"
"Dearest Schaefer family...may our loving God continue to be at your side and wrap his comforting arms around you today and in the days ahead.. hugs to all of you..Lyle and Deb Henderson "
"May the love from God be given and received to all of your family as you give your loving Tate to God. All our sympathies go out to you Brad, Darcy, and Teagan. You were blessed with such a wonderful boy! Love to you. Jim and Pam Newberry"
"Brad and family, So sorry for your loss. Prayers continue for healing and guidance. ?"
"Steve and I want to extend our sympathy to all of Tate\'s family. He sounds like a real trooper. God has truly gained another angel. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Steve and Francene Cranston"
"So, so sorry to hear of the loss of Tate. Stay strong and be brave. Lisa & Jeff Slaymaker Families"