Douglas A. Schafer

Doug was born on July 16, 1959, in Wray, Colorado, to Jack A. and Bonetta Schafer. He was raised on the family farm and ranch near Kirk, Colorado, where he developed the strong work ethic and values that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Liberty High School in Joes, Colorado, earned an associate’s degree from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, and continued his education for one year at the University of Northern Colorado.

On February 20, 1988, Doug married the love of his life, Marla White, in Wray, Colorado. Together they built a life on the farm and ranch that was centered on family, friendship, and hard work.

Farming and ranching were more than a livelihood for Doug; they were a way of life. From a young age, he worked alongside his family, dedicating his life to the family farm and ranch until his retirement. After retiring, he and Marla moved to Keystone, South Dakota, where they spent the last six years enjoying life closer to their daughter and grandchildren.

While Doug was many things to many people, his favorite role was that of Grandpa. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildrens’ activities, whether it was softball, t-ball, hockey, cheer, or any other event. From the stands, he could always be found smiling, cheering proudly, and later telling anyone who would listen about their latest accomplishments. He instilled in his daughter and grandchildren the same values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that he carried throughout his own life.

Doug treasured the friendships he made over the years and especially enjoyed annual fishing trips to Alaska and Canada. One of his favorite adventures was taking his daughter Michelle and her best friend on a fishing trip to Canada, a journey many would agree required a special kind of bravery. He also cherished the countless miles traveled on his Harley-Davidson trike alongside Marla, and their close-knit group of friends. Retirement brought many opportunities to explore the open road, as well as cherished yearly trips to Montrose, Colorado, where he and Marla spent time with their chosen family.

In his younger years, Doug enjoyed watching Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and spending time on the golf course whenever he had the chance. In retirement, he could often be found bundled up in a cold ice rink cheering on the Rapid City Rush, having developed a love for hockey thanks to his granddaughter, who began playing at just three years old. He looked forward to family trips to Minnesota, where he enjoyed attending NHL and PWHL games with his family, creating memories around a sport that had become one of his favorite passions.

Doug is survived by his devoted wife, Marla Schafer; his daughter, Michelle (Kevin) Valko; and his beloved grandchildren, Alice Jack and Maddox Eugene. He is also survived by his sister, Jacklin Schulte; family friend Enda Fross; his father-in-law, Rodney White; brothers-in-law Kevin White and Tim White and their families, sister-in-law Rhonda White; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack A. Schafer and Bonetta Schafer; his grandparents; his mother-in-law, Dorothy White; brothers-in-law Roger White, Larry Schulte, and, as many would undoubtedly say, his best friend, Eric Jones.

Doug will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his deep loyalty to friends, his willingness to help others, and his ability to find joy in life's simple moments. His legacy lives on through the values he passed down and the memories he created with those who are fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Liberty School in Joes, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Doug Schafer Memorial at Wray State Bank Benefiting Alice and Maddox. This fund is established for his grandchildren, Alice and Maddox, to continue Doug's greatest legacy: his love and support for his family.

Though his time with us ended far too soon, the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave will remain in our hearts forever.