Obituary of Marvin A. Schaeffer

SCHAEFFER MARVIN A Marvin Aduel Schaeffer, 94½ years of age went home to be with his Lord on January 31, 2016 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, February, 5, 2016 at Peace Christian Reformed Church, Menno, with Rev. Steve Moerman officiating. Burial will be in the Menno Cemetery, Menno, SD with Military Graveside Rites by the Rames-Bender American Legion Post #152 Honor Guard, Menno, and the SDARNG Honor Guard. Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the Aisenbrey-Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Menno, SD and then one hour prior to the service at the church. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Marvin was born to William I. and Anna (Bender) Schaeffer at home on the family farm just outside of Menno, SD on June 12, 1921, the second of eleven children. He was confirmed in the Saron Reformed Church in rural Menno, SD by Rev. Eric Kaemchpen. His values and those of his siblings were shaped by his loving parents. Marvin worked hard all of his life. He started out on the family farm then decided to pursue schooling to become a welder and then later an electrician. He was drafted into the US Army during WWII serving his country for 2 ½ years. He returned to the states, married, and had four children: Dianne, Patricia, Gloria and Janet. In 1969 he quit farming to take an electrician job in Minneapolis, MN until 1979. During those years, he traveled to different states finding work before moving to Las Vegas, NV where he worked as an electrician for the United States Government. In 1989 Marvin moved to Yankton, SD and worked for another 10 years doing various jobs, finally retiring at age 80. He was blessed with many gifts, talents, and skills. His love for gardening, fixing things and engaging in many different projects kept him busy. He was a very meticulous and talented man. When a creative idea came to him he had the ability and ingenuity to bring it to life. Marvin always accepted and appreciated what he had without complaining. He would even fill in and preach at the Saron Reformed Church when needed. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Those left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his three daughters: Dianne Kaldun of Brooklyn Park, MN, Patricia (Douglas) Johnson of Brooklyn Park, MN and Janet (Todd) Graber of Freeman, SD; son-in-law, Duane Williams of Rogers, MN; 10 Grandchildren: Todd Bennethum, Darrick (Colleen) Kaldun, Tammie Johnson, Jeanne (Brad) Peterson, Douglas Johnson, Sheila (Bryan) Slattery, Josh Williams (special friend, Hanna), Micah Graber, Tyler Graber (special friend, Kiley), Lindsey Graber (special friend, Tim); and seven great grandchildren; 6 brothers and sisters: Sally Fischer of Menno, Alfred (Leona) Schaeffer of Menno, Gideon (Mary Jane) Schaeffer of Tucson, AZ, Victor (Darlene) Schaeffer of Yankton, Geraldine (Amos) Schultz of Menno and John (Darleen) Schaeffer of Grimes, IA; and 2 sisters-in-law, Harriet Schaeffer of Menno and June Schaeffer of Green Bay, WI; brother-in-law, Elton Tiede of Parkston and a host of nieces and nephews. Greeting him in Heaven were his parents, William and Anna Schaeffer; wives, Lelia Schaeffer and Bonnie Schaeffer; daughter, Gloria Williams; three brothers: Johannas, Elton and Arnold Schaeffer; sister, Verina Tiede; brother-in-law, Emil Fischer; sister-in-law, Ginny Schaeffer and son-in-law, Marvin Kaldun.