Otto Schaefer

Otto Schaefer, son of Henry and Caroline (Joos) Schaefer, was born January 14, 1916 at Hancock , MN . He attended school at District #65 in Moore Township until the age of 13, at which time he worked on the family farm until 1937. He then worked as a carpenter for Tony Boon, building a house and barn. Otto was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church and was baptized in 1939. He then moved to Edelstein , IL and resided there until 1941 where he returned to Hancock. He built his first house for his brother, Emil. Otto was drafted into the army in April of 1942 and served as a Medical Technician and Utility Man. Later he was deployed to England and spent 18 months overseas. He served his country three years and nine months, after which time he was honorably discharged. He then returned to his hometown of Hancock and became a carpenter/contractor. He established the Rainbow Rafter Company in Hancock and constructed many houses and farm buildings in the Hancock area.

Otto had a heartfelt compassion for those in need, always ready to lend a helping hand. On June 22, 1947, he married Helen Eisenmann and to this union two boys were born, Charles and Roger.

Otto passed away on January 14, 2009 on this 93 ^rd Birthday at the West Wind Village in Morris, Minesota.

He is survived by two sons: Charles (Judy) Schaefer of Hancock, MI and Roger (Jill) Schaefer of Canberra, Australia; Grandchildren: Lindsey (Josh) Jenson of Hancock, MI, Ryan Schaefer of Idaho Falls, ID, Michelle Schaefer, Jenny Schaefer & Thomas Schaefer, all of Australia; one sister: Martha Schaefer of Peoria, IL; one brother: Anton Schaefer of Morris and one brother-in-law: Willis Eisenmann of Toledo, OH. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; five brothers: Chris, Ernest, Emil, John and Herman and two sisters: Hilda Baeer and Lydia Hermann.