Robert Otto Schafer

Robert Otto Schafer, the son of Louis and Marie (Eberl) Schafer, was born October 23, 1944, in Omaha, Nebraska and passed away August 8, 2018, at his home, being cared for by his family and hospice in rural Guthrie County, Iowa at the age of 73 years, 9 months, and 15 days.
When Robert was a child, they moved to the family farm north of Adair, Iowa. Robert was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair. He attended rural school, Grant #1, and then graduated from the Adair Community High School with the Class of 1964. Robert studied at the Creston Junior College in Creston, Iowa until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966. During his tour of duty he served with the SeaBees in Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and returned home. Robert was employed as part of the Lake Patrol at Lake View and also at Lake Panorama. He later attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and was employed as a Deputy Sheriff for Guthrie County, Iowa.
On February 5, 1972, he was united in marriage to Janet Petersen at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Guthrie Center. They were blessed with two daughters Laurie and Lisa. They lived in Guthrie Center, Iowa for 9 years before purchasing a farm west of Guthrie Center. Robert worked as a delivery driver for United Parcel Service for over 29 years until he had to retire due to his heart condition. During his working years, Robert and Janet also raised cattle and managed their farm.
Robert was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. He loved dancing with Janet and he also enjoyed singing karaoke with family. Robert was an avid gardener, planting many vegetables and several different fruit trees over the years to create a beautiful orchard of which he was so proud of. Robert also enjoyed walking through their timber, shed hunting with grandchildren, deer hunting, playing cards, sharing a good joke, and spending time with his favorite dog “Susie”. He loved family get-togethers and grilling for everyone. Most of all he enjoyed being with his family, especially the grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents Louis and Marie Schafer.
Survivors include his wife Janet Schafer of rural Guthrie Center, Iowa; his daughters Laurie and husband Jim Stringer of Guthrie Center, Iowa and Lisa and husband KC Newby of Adair, Iowa; his grandchildren Laurisa Stringer and LeAnna Stringer both of Ankeny, Iowa, Jessica Stringer and Jenna Stringer both of Guthrie Center, Iowa, and Cole Newby and Blake Newby both of Adair, Iowa; his twin brother Ron and wife Lanette Schafer of Panora, Iowa; his other brothers Lou and wife Judy Schafer of New Providence, Iowa, Bill and wife Dianne Schafer and Chris and wife Donna Schafer all of Adair, Iowa, and Charlie Schafer and fiancé Lana of Des Moines, Iowa; his brother-in-law Jim and wife Rita Petersen of Guthrie Center, Iowa; his sister-in-law Julie and husband Scott Miller of Norwalk, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Gordon Buchholz and Pastor Jeff Lambrecht on Monday, August 13, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. Interment will be in the Union Township Cemetery east of Audubon. The honorary casket bearers are Ron Schafer and Blake Robert Newby. The casket bearers are Lou Schafer, Bill Schafer, Chris Schafer, Charlie Schafer, Jim Petersen, Scott Miller, and Cole Newby. The family will meet with friends Sunday afternoon, August 12, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.