Gerald Schaefer

Gerald Schaefer, 90, of Brandon, SD and formerly of Harrold, SD, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Sanford Ava's House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family and God’s embrace. 

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 3, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Highmore, with Father Paul Josten, celebrant.  Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Harrold, with military honors.  Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2023, followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church. 

Gerald Schaefer was born March 9, 1933, in Harrold, South Dakota to Albert and Cecelia (Hoesing) Schaefer.  He graduated from Harrold High School in 1952 and was a member of the state championship basketball team.  He married Arlene Aasby in 1954.  Following his service in the Army, they settled south of Harrold, farming and ranching.  They raised their seven children in the St. John’s Catholic Church: Rodney, Cathy, James, Karen, Jill, Holly, and Kevin.

Gerald was a lifetime member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Harrold and was a very active in the community.  He served as the president of the school board and the Production Credit Association.

In 2001, Arlene passed away and Gerald moved to Arizona in 2004, where he met Lorraine and they were united in marriage in 2006; also bringing into the family sons and daughters: Brenda, Julie, Sheila, Dan, and Dave. 

He enjoyed his later years wintering in Arizona, living at Hart Ranch in Rapid City, and the retirement community in Brandon.  Gerald never met a stranger and had a wide circle of friends and family he kept in contact with.  He was also an avid sportsman and competitor.  He enjoyed golf, billiards, and was quite a card shark. 

Gerald was always excited to get a ride in a hot air balloon or open cockpit airplane.  His strong faith carried him through his long life.  

He is survived by his children: Rodney (Susan) Schaefer, Cathy (Jim) Peitz, James (Gail) Schaefer, Karen (Greg) Swenson, Jill (Venice) Schaefer, Holly (Jim) Norgaard, and Kevin (Linda) Schaefer; 15 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Caitlin, Addie, Faith, Clint, Lindsay, Cody, Erin, Haley, Blake, Tia, Cassidy, Carson, Madison, and Regan; 12 great grandchildren: Jordan, Thomas, Ian, Elaina, Tyler, Alissa, Cadence, Bryn, Trace, El’Cee, Raimee, and Zane; Lorraine’s children: Brenda (Dan) Furaus, Sheila (Dave) Kellor, Dan (Cheryl) Mack, and David (Lisa) Mack; son-in-law, Stan Buxa; and 12 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Greeting him in Heaven were his wives: Arlene and Lorraine; grandson, Winston Hemminger; brother, LeRoy Schaefer; sisters: Delores Davis and Shirley Schaefer; and Lorraine’s daughter, Julie Buxa.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Gerald's arrangements.