Milford veteran, longtime Kraft Foods employee Dennis Schafer dies at 88

Dennis Schafer was a member of Living Hope Ministries in Milford and was known for his love of the outdoors and community. Celebration of Life is set for Saturday, April 11.

MILFORD, Del. — Dennis L. Schafer, a U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime Milford resident who spent decades working at Kraft Foods in Dover, died Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home. He was 88.

Born in Woodworth, North Dakota, Schafer was the son of the late Samuel T.R. Schafer and Sophia (Schelske) Heizelman. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, William Heizelman.

Schafer served in the U.S. Air Force as an airplane mechanic, working on C-124 aircraft. During his military service, he was deployed to the African Congo for three months. Following his service, he began a long career at Kraft Foods in Dover, where he worked as a packaging maintenance mechanic until his retirement in June 1997.

He was a member of Living Hope Ministries in Milford and was known for his love of the outdoors and community. Schafer enjoyed hunting, followed sprint car racing, and spent time watching and feeding birds in his yard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Arlo D. Schafer; stepbrother Jerry Heizelman; and stepsisters Vida Petersen, Bernice Faul and Verla Faul.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Georgeanne (Ford) Schafer; daughter Darla Schafer; son Darren Schafer and his wife, Julie; three grandchildren, Brenna K. Schafer (Bryan), Kaitlyn A. Schafer (Anthony) and Reid W. Schafer (Nola); brother Leo W. Schafer (Geraldine); sister Jennell Heizelman (Marvin); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford. Burial will be private in North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the AMC Museum Foundation at Dover Air Force Base or a charity of the donor’s choice.