Keaton Schaefer, 81, New England, died Friday, February 3, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. Keaton’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England with Father Charles Zins as the celebrant. Interment will follow at the Havelock Cemetery, New England. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with a 7 p.m. rosary and vigil with Deacon Victor Dvorak presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time at the church.
Keaton Eugene was born September 7, 1930, at Reeder, he was the son of Edmund and Irma L. (Nichols) Schaefer. He lived on a ranch north of Rhame from the age of 11 years, he then attended St. Mary’s Boarding School for high school years. He graduated from New England St. Mary’s High School in 1949.
He met his future wife, Arlene Thielman when they were seniors, and they united in marriage on October 19, 1949 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They lived on the ranch north of Rhame for two years, then moved east of New England and farmed with his father-in-law many years till he retired. He loved the farm, especially making hay. Keaton had developed Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 30 and had worked hard to keep it under control.
He was a member of the Havelock Township Board for many years, was Havelock’s rural fire department representative, and had belonged to the St. Pius Verein. Keaton enjoyed playing cards, pinochle, poker and glovious, loved hunting fox and coyote when he was younger, and bowled on a couple’s league and men’s league for many years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending their sporting events and other activities.
Keaton is survived by his wife, Arlene; their 11 children, Kevin (Marlene) Schaefer, New England, David (Sandy) Schaefer, Dickinson, Darwin (Colleen) Schaefer, Dickinson, Rick (Reyne) Schaefer, Dickinson, Lynette “Lynn” (Pat) Conmy, Bismarck, Lavonne (Ron) Tormaschy, Dickinson, Dan (Jennifer) Schaefer, Bismarck, Rodney (Coleen) Schaefer, Phoenix, Ariz., Gary (Susan) Schaefer, Dickinson, Ken Schaefer, Dickinson, and Jared “JJ” (Diana) Schaefer, Dickinson; 27 grandchildren; 21great-grandchildren; numerous step-grand and great-grandchildren; four brothers, Leonard (Sharon) Schaefer, Richard (Sharon) Schaefer, Roy (Ellie) Schaefer, and Lee (Rita) Schaefer; two sisters-in-law, Connie Schaefer and Linda Schaefer; one brother-in-law, Don Jacobson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Casper and Bruce; and one sister, Elaine Jacobson.
