George Arthur Schaeffer, 92, of Stapleton, passed away Friday, May 24, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born November 25, 1926, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Edwin and Kate Clark Schaeffer. He graduated from North Platte High School at mid-term his senior year because of World War II. In February 1945, he joined the army, serving his country in Iran, Egypt, and French Morocco. He was honorably discharged in November 1946.
On February 26, 1949, he married Florence Joedeman in Gandy. They moved to a farm in southern Logan County in 1958, where they made their home and raised four children. The couple celebrated 54 years together.
George was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad for 41 years. He worked as an electrician for 34 of those years. He retired in 1988 to work full-time on his farm.
On August 7, 2004, George married Joyce Burnside. They enjoyed 14 years together in Stapleton.
He was a member of the Gandy Community Church. He loved spending time with his family, fishing, playing cards, and traveling. He played the harmonica and enjoyed the Bluegrass Festival.
George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence; son-in-law, Dan Witthuhn; brother & sister-in-law, Edwin & Betty Schaeffer; grandson, David Schaeffer; in-laws, Henry Joedeman, Lila Burnside, and Murene Leeper.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce; three sons, Steven (Sally), Rodney (Pamela) of Stapleton, and Gary (Linda) of Thedford; a daughter, Gloria Witthuhn, of Arnold; stepdaughters, Patricia (Dave) Lewis of Lincoln, and Connie (Daryl) Luers of Wahoo; grandchildren, George (Jill) Schaeffer, Matthew (Melissa) Schaeffer, Greg (Stefani) Schaeffer, Todd (Addie) Schaeffer, Matthew Schatz, Marisa (Josh) Baxter, Orrin (Becca) Schaeffer, JuliAnna (Kyle) Schaeffer, Shelly Witthuhn, Kenneth (Michelene) Witthuhn, Traci (Darin) Logsdon, Jennifer (Jedd) Nicholson, Kylene (Robert) Littrel, Brett (Holly) Schaeffer, Kristina (Tyler) Neben, Derek (Dessie) Schaeffer, Trystan (Alec) McKillip, Drew Schaeffer, Jon Lewis, Julie (Josh) Schlote, Katie (Dan) Frieden, and Kelsy (Tyler) Hays; 35 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Robert & Luella Joedeman, Harold & Mary Joedeman, Rose Wonch, and C.E. & Willa Hendrich; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com and memorial donations may be made to the donors choice. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte with Pastor Frank Scott and Pastor Eric Mockaitis officiating. Burial will be at the McCain Cemetery southeast of Stapleton. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.