Doug Schaefer

Douglas “Doug” Schaefer, 76, formerly of rural Monroe, SD died peacefully Friday, February 26, 2016 surrounded by his family. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 10:30 am at Calvary Reformed Church, Monroe, SD. Visitation will be at the church Monday, February 29, 2016 with a prayer service at 7:00pm. Doug was born January 12, 1940 north of Parker, SD in rural McCook County to Andy and Cordene (Begeman) Schaefer. The oldest of 4 boys, he grew up on the family farm with dirt under his fingernails and was famous for his tractor driving skills when he was 6 years old. Doug graduated from Monroe High School in 1958 and started working at Morrell’s in 1959 retiring in 1996. He then worked for Good Samaritan Center, Canistota 1996-2002. Doug was a member of the SD Air Guard from 1960-1966 working in the Radar Shop. Doug married Sandra Voigt at Spencer, SD on July 2, 1966. Doug and Sandy spent 40 years on the Schaefer Family farm just north of Monroe, SD. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, and making and old A or B John Deere tractors run and he was a voracious reader. His memory for events, dates and history was legendary along with his quick wit, dry sense of humor and love of limericks. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Reformed Church in Monroe, SD; Marion American Legion and was a Spring Valley Board Member for 27 years. Survivors include his wife, Sandy of 49 years; daughters, Lisa (Kelly) Sorensen of Monroe, SD and Stacie (Tom) Stengrim of Harrisburg, SD and 2 grandchildren, who were his greatest joys in life, Mathew and Madison (Dolly) Stengrim, 3 brothers, Richard, Arthur (JoLane) and Robert (Ann), mother in-law, Margaret Voigt, brothers-in-law, Greg Voigt and Rob (Tina) Voigt. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Matthew Voigt and sister-in-law, Elaine Schaefer. Burial will be at the Monroe Reformed Church Cemetery.