Rodney Schafer

Rod Schafer, age 69, of Aurora, died at home on Sunday, September 5, 2004.

Rod requested that no visitation or services be held. Cards of condolence may be sent to Aileen at 704 12th Street, Aurora, NE 68818. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences also may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: RODNEY SCHAFER

Rodney Dean Schafer, the son of Fred and Minnie (Peperkorn) Schafer, was born in Gilead, Nebraska on December 1, 1934 and died in Aurora, Nebraska on September 5, 2004, at the age of 69.

Rod married Aileen Ramey on August 14, 1955.

Rod began working in plumbing, heating, wiring and home construction while in high school. He owned and operated Schafer Service Co., a plumbing, heating and wiring business, for 35 years. Ready for a change, he worked as maintenance supervisor for the Leadership Center for a few years before retiring.

Rod had a beautiful singing voice and sang and played guitar with the Rovin' Rangers and G.I. Country Express for several years. He began hunting and fishing as a youth and they were activities he enjoyed throughout his life and which he loved sharing with his children, grandchildren and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bob; his sister, Frances Collingham, and an infant sister, Cheryl.

Rod is survived by his wife, Aileen of Aurora; four children, Cheryl (Lance) Bentley of Elkader, Iowa, Harlan (Peg) Schafer of Aurora, Darren (Trish) Schafer of Princeton, Illinois and Brenda (Robb Dudek) Schafer of Lenexa, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Doris Titman of Aurora and Rose Anderson of Guernsey, Wyoming.