Ronald C. Schafer

Aug. 13, 1942--Nov. 18, 2010

CULBERTSOn, Nebraska -- Ronald C. Schafer, 68, passed away Thursday (Nov. 18, 2010), at Community Hospital in McCook.

Ron was born Aug. 30, 1942, in Denver, Colorado to Carl and Helen (Wiederspan) Schafer. He grew up in the Culbertson community where he graduated from high school in 1961. He continued his education at McCook Junior College where he played football and later graduated with an associate's degree in ag business in 1963.

On June 6, 1965, he was united in marriage to Joann Wagner in Culbertson. They made their home on the family farm near Culbertson where they raised their three children, Peggy, Brian and Clint. Ron was a lifetime farmer up until the time of his failing health, having passed it now down to his sons, currently the fourth generation on the farm.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he served as Youth Fellowship Leader for many years. He was also a member of the Nebraska National Guard. Other committees and boards he served on included the Farmer's Coop Grain and Supply Board; 4-H Council, serving as 4-H leader for many years; Southwest Public Power Board of Directors for 28 years; Nebraska Electric Generation and Transmission Board for the past 25 years, serving as secretary/treasurer from 2004-2005, vice-president from 2005-2007 and president from 2007-2009.

Ron's hobbies included hunting, fishing and traveling across the United States. His life's delight was playing with and watching his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Carl and Helen Schafer.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Joann Schafer of Culbertson; daughter, Peggy and husband, Luke Brenn of Arlington, Nebraska; sons, Brian Schafer and wife, Donnetta, and Clint Schafer and wife, Kayla, all of Culbertson; four grandchildren, Alexa and Hailey Brenn and Tate and Ty Schafer; two sisters, Myrna and husband, Kenneth Amen, and Susan and husband, Delane Carlson, all of Norfolk, Nebraska; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Funeral services were held today, 10:30 a.m., at the Culbertson Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Corey Jenkins officiating. Burial was in the Culbertson Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements