Obituary of Darrel E Schafer

Darrel Earl Schafer of Fort Collins, Colorado, took The Hand of Jesus on November 20, 2023 at

the age of 88. He was born in Wray, Colorado on December 1, 1934 to Earl and Velma

(Renzelman) Schafer.

 

In his early years, Darrel attended school in Wray, Colorado and graduated from Wray High

School in 1952. After high school, he joined the Navy in December 1952. Darrel served four

years in the Navy during the Korean War and four years of Navy Reserves. He studied

agriculture at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO, receiving his masters in 1967. He

married Rita Hoar on October 18, 1957. To this union, Darrel and Rita were blessed with two

children, their daughter Pamela Mae and their son Randall Earl. Darrel and Rita celebrated their

65th wedding anniversary in October 2022.

 

To pass the time, Darrel could be found attending a CSU football or basketball game, on a casual

drive around town, or discussing crops with local farmers. Darrel enjoyed spending time with

his family and his church community at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Darrel and Rita loved to

square dance and were involved with 4-H for many years. Together, they loved to travel, having

taken many cruises and traveling around the United States.

 

Darrel is survived by his daughter Pam Bessey (Bert) of Loveland, CO; son Randy Schafer

(Jennifer) of Melbeta, NE; grandchildren Galen Bessey (Brenda); Todd Bessey (Chris Viegut);

Phillip Bessey (Christy Smith); Stephanie Schafer (Lanny Hanks); Alexis Moore (Shane); Lindsay

Schroeder (John) and Danielle Madden (Jeremy); 19 great-grandchildren and 8

great-great-grandchildren.

 

He is preceded in death by his wife Rita Schafer, his parents, his brother Darwin, and his

parents-in-law Sherman and Lydia (Hommon) Hoar.

 

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 2:00pm at Redeemer

Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado with a cookie reception following the services. Private

inurnment will be held at a later date. Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

 

If you are unable to attend the service in person, we invite you to watch it by going to Redeemer’s website at redeemerconnect.com and clicking on the "Watch Live" button. Or, go directly to live.redeemerconnect.com.live.redeemerconnect.com

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