Richard H. Schaefer Sr., 88
Published 9:19 am Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Richard H. Schaefer Sr., 88
He was born Oct. 7, 1929, to Matthew and Mary (Heimer) Schaefer in Taopi, Minnesota. He was raised in Taopi, and spent his childhood helping on the family farm. When he was 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served for two years, mostly in Guam. After the military, he came back to Minnesota and worked at Hormel Foods. He retired at 55 and spent 15 years of his service at Hormel working for the local P-9 union as business agent. He married Carol Locher on Jan. 31, 1953, and they lived in Austin, Minnesota, raising their six children. Carol passed away in June of 1991. He married Joyce Breitweg in 1992, and they made their home in Baudette. Joyce passed away in April 2010. He married Lois Penas in July of 2012, and they made their home in Baudette, and Mesa, Arizona. Lois was his caregiver until his passing.
Richard acquired land in Baudette and became a tree farmer. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener, and made awesome sauerkraut. He loved his children and grandchildren. Richard had a great wit and would always put a smile on your face.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his wife, Joyce; his son, Mathew; his granddaughter, Michelle; and siblings, Florence, Bernice, Orin, David, Donald, and Adeline.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Richard Jr. (Lori) Schaefer of Hackensack, Minnesota, Mary Barth of Austin, Greg (Jill) Schaefer or Bemidji, Minnesota, Julie Westerback of Northfield, Minnesota, and Ryne Schaefer of Austin; grandchildren, Richard (Liana) Schaefer, Brandon Schaefer, Marvin (Samantha) Persoon, Adam Barth, Jacob Schaefer, and Emily Westerback; and great-grandsons, Sam and Levi.
A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baudette.
Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Austin at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the Baudette Veterans Ceremonial Squad.
Helgeson Funeral Home, Roseau, Minnesota, was in charge of arrangements.
Online guest book at: www.helgesonfuneralhome.com.