Benjamin & Martin Schafer

On August 15, 2003, we said an unexpected goodbye to Ben and Martin. They both were loved and are fondly remembered and missed by the family, friends, and community who knew them. Twenty years later, we have decided to celebrate their lives through the creation of this page. To help keep their memory alive, you are invited to share a message, memory or photo of Ben or Martin. This page will serve as an archive of memories that you are welcome to return to whenever you would like to remember them. Click on the "Memento" tab to view photos.  

Benjamin J. Schafer  (July 16, 1979 - August 15, 2003)

Benjamin was a graduate of Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, with an associate's degree in computer and applied science. He worked for his father's businesses, Martin F. Schafer Jr. Well Drilling Corp. and Moxie Precast, both in Lehighton. Born in Palmerton, he was a son of Judy (Cressley) Schafer and the late Martin F. Schafer Jr., and brother to Jeremiah and Jessica Schafer. Ben was intelligent, quick-witted, and had a fun-loving nature. He loved to tease and joke with his friends and family. Ben was a member of Lehighton Wesleyan Church. Some of his hobbies included watching films and listening to music of various genres, riding rollercoasters, cruising around in his red Jeep Wrangler, hunting and fishing with family and friends, and working with computers and technology.

Martin F. Schafer (October 1, 1953 - August 15, 2003)

Martin was the owner and operator of Martin F. Schafer Jr. Well Drilling Corp. and Moxie Precast, both located in Lehighton. Born in Lehighton, he was a son of the late Martin F. Sr. and Pearl (Ahner) Schafer. Martin was also the husband to Judy (Cressley) Schafer and the father to Jeremiah and Jessica Schafer and the late Benjamin Schafer. Martin worked hard to provide for his family and also worked to create lasting memories with them through the various trips he took them on across the country in the family motorhome. Martin was excellent at building and designing, including the family home and his sawmill, among other things. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, traveling with both friends and family on hunting and fishing trips across the US and Canada. To relax, he enjoyed playing his guitar or smoking jerky in his smokehouse. In his younger years, Martin also was a local racecar driver. He was also a member of Lehighton Wesleyan Church. Martin was known and loved by many in the surrounding community through his business. He is remembered for being kind and helpful to those around him.