Johan Erik Anton Schaeffer passed away February 16, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born in Darmstadt, Germany on June 8, 1932 of Dutch parents.

When he was three years old, he moved to the Netherlands. He spent several years of his young adult life in Indonesia, of which he spoke of fondly and often. After the perils and displacement caused by World War II, he emigrated to the United States in 1955. Erik completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree at Drexel University in Pennsylvania and worked as an environmental engineer.

Erik was predeceased by his father, Johann Schaeffer, mother, Jeanne Hora Siccama, and brother, Philip (Flip).  He was formerly married to Sonia Condax, with whom he had three children: Christopher Schaeffer (Gisele), Peter Schaeffer, and Suzanne Cronan (Mark). In 1995, he married Bonnie Balfour and added his stepchildren, Nicole Paquette and Jason Paquette (Laura), and grandchildren, Evelyn and William Paquette.

Erik spoke five languages: Dutch, German, French, Malay, and English. He was a certified sailing instructor and enjoyed competitive sailing. He loved swimming and biking and, in college, competed in team rowing.  At the age of 80, he participated in Moffitt Cancer Center's half mile "Swim Across America" at Clearwater Beach (the oldest participant). Erik enjoyed traveling with Bonnie to Europe, visiting his family in Holland and also enjoyed cruising the Caribbean. As a photographer, Erik took many wedding and family photos. Family was very important to him, and he was his happiest when he was with his wife Bonnie, children, and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m., Friday, March 10, at Alive Church, 1935 Jolliff Rd., Chesapeake. In lieu of flower, you may send donations to the Taylor Bend YMCA in Erik's name.  Erik had a passion for the YMCA. He was a board member and volunteered as a greeter, enjoyed swimming laps, talking with members, and using their workout equipment. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.