Kyle Nicholas Schafer

Kyle Nicholas Schafer, 35, of Yakima, Washington, passed away on July 17, 2026.

There’s something comforting about knowing that Kyle is finally at peace. We imagine he’s been welcomed home by our dad, uncle, cousin, grandparents, and great-grandparents, all the people we’ve missed for so long. While we’re left missing him here, we’re grateful to know he’s no longer carrying the things that weighed so heavily on him.

If you knew Kyle, you probably have a story about him, and it’s probably loud.

Kyle was stubborn, obnoxious, hilarious, and had a special gift for getting on your nerves, especially if you were one of his sisters. He loved getting a reaction out of people and was almost always laughing while he did it. He could make a room louder just by walking into it, and even when he drove you crazy, it was impossible not to love him.

He was determined and resilient and never stopped being unapologetically himself.

Kyle loved music more than just about anything. He’s been obsessed with it for as long as we can remember. He was a naturally gifted drummer and could pick up a beat like it was second nature. He loved playing guitar too, even if we’d lovingly argue that his true talent was always behind a drum set. Music wasn’t just something he enjoyed. It was a part of who he was.

He was artistic in so many ways and had recently found a love for tending to plants. There was something fitting about that; the same person who could be so loud and chaotic could also find joy in quietly helping something grow.

More than anything, Kyle had a gift for connecting with people. Throughout his life, he met people who fiercely loved and protected him, and he loved them just as fiercely in return. The friendships and relationships he built are a reflection of the impact he had on so many lives. Once Kyle cared about you, he cared deeply.

Kyle was never meant to live a quiet life, and he certainly didn’t. He leaves behind countless stories, inside jokes, and memories that we’ll laugh about for years to come. We’ll miss his laugh, his music, and even the ways he knew exactly how to annoy us.

We would give anything for one more conversation, one more song, or one more chance for him to make us roll our eyes. Instead, we’ll hold tightly to the gift of having loved him.

We’ll miss you forever, Kyle.