William Louis Schaefer, age 23, of Platteville, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes, on July 4, 2025.

He was born on October 26, 2001, to Christine Schaefer and Terry Schaefer. Will graduated Platteville High School with honors in 2020.

He was on Prom and Homecoming Court and involved in the high school's Tech Club and a co-anchor of the Hillmen News. A gifted athlete in football and wrestling, Will earned countless awards and honors including two trips to the state wrestling tournament, earning a fifth-place and runner-up finish. He was also selected to compete in the Wisconsin All-State Football game.

Will continued to give back to sports after high school, working as a referee and volunteering as an assistant coach for the Platteville Youth Football Program. He also served as an assistant coach for the Belmont/Platteville High School Wrestling Team. Will inspired countless young athletes, lifted those around him and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He began his professional career as an apprentice at Bill's Plumbing and Heating in Platteville. Will was most recently pursuing his diploma in Heating and Air Conditioning at Northeast Iowa Community College while he worked at Birch Heating and Cooling in Dubuque, Iowa.

Though his time with us was far too short, Will's legacy lives on in the athletes he coached, the family who adored him, and the friends who will never forget his humor, kindness and big heart.

Will is survived by his parents, Chris Schaefer and Terry (Connie) Schaefer; siblings, Wesley Schaefer (Meagan Heine), Justin Schaefer (Maranda McCarthy), and Melanie Schaefer (Ryan Kirschbaum); grandparents, Ethel Nelson and Jim and Pat Schaefer; aunts and uncles Rich Nelson (Roxanne Schiller), Holly Nelson (Frank Allen), Dave (Lisa) Schaefer, Tammy Schaefer (Bryan Jerrett) and Duane (Ying) Schaefer and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, “Poppa,” Fred Nelson.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville. Rev. Jasmine Tesdahl will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 10, 2025 at the church and will continue on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Memorials may be made to the William L. “Will” Schaefer Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

William Schaefer

October 26, 2001 - July 04, 2025

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