Robert Donald Schafer, 93, of Owatonna died Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at New Richland Care Center in New Richland, Minnesota.
Robert was born October 9, 1922 in Waseca, Minnesota the son of Walter and Esther (Wobschall) Schafer. He grew up in Janesville, MN and graduated from Janesville High School. Robert served in the Air Force for 37 months and was stationed in Florida and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1946. On June 1, 1947, he was united in marriage to Viola Possin at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. They were married for 68 years. They moved to Owatonna where Bob worked for Josten’s as an engraver for 41 years.
Robert was a member of the Owatonna Gun Club for many years being, on the board for most of the time. He loved to hunt deer, ducks and pheasants until late in life. He also took up boxing for 15 years and was in the same show as Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson. Robert was also a member of the VFW, American Legion and served on the Steele County Military Funeral Unit for many years.He is survived by his wife, Viola Schafer of New Richland Care Center; his son, Terry (Julie) Schafer of North St. Paul; his daughters, Cindy Scheve of North Las Vegas, NV, Jackie (Doug) Hunt of Ellendale, and Stacey (Chris) Blouin of Ellendale; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Dixie Strand of New Richland Care Center; sister-in-law, June Schafer of Janesville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Jerry, Kennth, Jim, and Chuck; brother-in-law, Donald Strand; sister-in-law, Pat Schafer; grandson, Josh Holland.
Visitation will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Owatonna on Saturday, December 12, 2015 from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Owatonna. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna, Minnesota. Full military honors will be conducted by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Lutheran Church or donor’s choice. Michaelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.