Paul George Schaeffer, 90, Colo

Paul George Schaeffer, 90, of Colo, passed away Friday, September 1 at Story County Senior Care in Nevada.

Paul was born April 15, 1933, in Rural Colo, Iowa, the son of Wendell and Margaret (Kattenstroth) Schaeffer. He graduated from Colo High School in 1951 and was united in marriage to Arlene Hayes on October 27, 1957, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in State Center. He served in the U S Army from 1955 to 1957. Paul farmed until 1966 when he took a road maintenance position and, later, a facilities maintenance position with the Iowa Department of Transportation. He retired from the IDOT in 1994. He also worked part-time as a self-employed electrician.

Paul was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in State Center, a former member of the Colo Lions Club and had served on the Colo Fire Department. He rode in many tractor rides on his IH/Farmall tractor, including the WHO Great Iowa Tractor Ride. Paul had a collection of windmills and enjoyed tinkering with metal and iron. He knew antique tractors inside and out and took pride in the tractor he restored.

Paul loved to talk with people and had made many friends over the years. He adored his grandchildren and treasured the time he spent with them. Paul is survived by his sons, Brian (Vicki) Schaeffer of Nevada and Mike Schaeffer of Grinnell; and his grandchildren, Molly (Greg) Mlynarczyk, Erik Schaeffer and Alyssa Schaeffer. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his brother, Howard Schaeffer.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening, September 5 from 4:00 to 6:00 p m at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. The funeral service will be Wednesday, September 6 at 10:30 a m at St. Paul Lutheran Church (605 1st St N) in State Center. Burial with military honors will follow at the Colo Cemetery in Colo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Suncrest Hospice Service. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com