The Islander is a free weekly community newspaper serving Anna Maria Island. There is no charge for our standard obituary, including survivors, services, photo and other lifetime information for present and former residents of Anna Maria Island and people with affiliations on Anna Maria Island.
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Bonner Joy, Publisher. news@islander.org
Gene Richard Schaefer
Gene Richard Schaefer of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria Island died Sept. 6, 2024.
He was born in Chicago Nov. 3, 1931.
He grew up in Springfield Ohio, graduated from Wittenberg University and served in the U.S. Navy as a naval lieutenant aviator.
Once asked how he chose the Navy, he answered that from his earliest memories he loved “being on the water” and always wanted to be a sailor. As a teenager he enlarged his passion to include flying. He moved to Anna Maria Island in the late 1940s and, after traveling the United States and many parts of the world, he returned to the island because “it is the most beautiful atmosphere and location in the world!”
Mr. Schaefer felt his most important work contribution was participating in the National Alliance of Businessmen, facilitating collaborations to find or create employment opportunities, housing and transportation services for adults and youth in low- to moderate-incomes. He also worked for the National Housing Conference.
He was a proud member of American Legion, Association of Former Intelligence Officers and the Aircraft Owners Pilot Association.
While living on the island, he was an active member of the “Sons of the Beach,” focused on promoting and protecting local businesses and activities for children on the island.
He is survived by his beautiful wife, Dee Percifield Schaefer, whom he loved more than words could express, and he frequently demonstrated his love with thoughtful surprises. For almost two decades, they owned and operated the Beach Shop and Cafe on the Beach at Manatee Public Beach.
His family remembers him as a “storyteller,” someone who always reassured them “there are no stupid questions,” a stainmaster, an encourager, and as “classy, a true gentleman.”
He was a private person who focused on making people feel capable and appreciated. It was said of him “if life experiences could be measured as a currency, then Gene certainly died a rich man.”
Memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or Tidewater Hospice through the Tidewell Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.
Mr. Schaefer is survived by his wife, Dee; daughter, Erica Schaefer Kishpaugh and husband Scott of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; sons James W. of Bradenton and Peter C. and his fiancee Julie Patterson of Erie, Pennsylvania; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Michael Thrasher
Michael Thrasher, 78, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died March 22.
He was born June 25, 1946, in London.
He was known for his generosity, sharp wit and entrepreneurial spirit. He lived a life of purpose, dedicating himself to his work and charitable endeavors, friendships and treasured moments with family.
He was a devoted husband and father, deeply loved by his wife and three daughters, as well as his four stepdaughters, who will forever hold his wisdom, British humor and unwavering love in their hearts.
He was a top-rated graphic designer with decades-long input into the Organix baby food company, which was recognized in 2001 by the Queen of England, a moment of immense pride.
He had a deep passion for cars and an adventurous spirit that extended to his hobbies, including cultivating his Hillside vineyard. He contributed to the development of Pine Avenue and served on the board of the Center of Anna Maria Island.
Private celebrations of life will be held in Florida and in the UK. Memorial donations may be made to the Center of AMI, P.O. Box 253, Anna Maria, FL 34216.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bradenton, was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Thrasher is survived by his beloved wife, Natalie; sister Pauline and husband William; daughters Elli and husband Michael, Jodi and husband Rhys, and Abbi and husband Rich; stepdaughters Aimi and husband Nathan, Sarah and husband Anthony, Elizabeth and husband Jacob, and Whitney and husband Daniel; and 12 grandchildren.