New Lenox in Will County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ronald "Papa" Schaper

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 17, 2025

1. Ronald "Papa" Schaper Marker

Inscription. In Loving Memory of
Ronald "Papa" Schaper

May 5th, 1936 - February 14th, 2010
Founder/Director and "The Coach" of the New Lenox Mustangs
45 years of dedication

Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts.

"Winning isn't everything, wanting to is!"

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1936.

Location. 41° 30.464′ N, 87° 56.886′ W. Marker is in New Lenox, Illinois, in Will County. It can be reached from Joliet Highway west of Sojourn Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker is to the left of the entrance into the grandstand at Martino Junior High School's football field, which is named after Schaper. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 731 East Joliet Highway, New Lenox IL 60451, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the

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Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Original Lincoln Highway Marker (approx. one mile away); American Patriotism on the Highway (approx. one mile away); Advertising Across America's Roadways (approx. one mile away); Village of New Lenox (approx. one mile away); The Lincoln Highway (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named The Village of New Lenox (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Lenox.

Regarding Ronald "Papa" Schaper. The New Lenox Mustangs are a youth football and cheerleading organization.

Also see . . .
1. Ronald Schaper obituary.

Excerpt: "He was a former school board member for both the New Lenox School District and Lincoln-Way Community High School, a member of Lincoln-Way Area Community Television, a past member of the New Lenox Lions Club, a member and president of the Southwest Midget Football League, and a coach
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 17, 2025

2. Ronald "Papa" Schaper Marker
The marker is to the left of the entrance into the stadium, which is named after Schaper.
for both New Lenox Little League Baseball and the New Lenox Lightning girls traveling softball program."

(Submitted on July 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. New Lenox Mustangs official site. (Submitted on July 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Ron Schaper Field image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 17, 2025

3. Ron Schaper Field

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.