Eugene Schaffer

Eugene “Pete” Joseph Schaffer was born on August 19, 1926, in Graceville, Minnesota the son of George and Emma (Schmitz) Schaffer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Dumont, Minnesota. Pete attended St. Peter’s grade school where he got his nickname “Pete” from one of the Sisters. In 1943, he graduated from Wheaton High School. He was on the Dumont “Saints” Baseball, town team.
Pete was united in marriage to Veronica Arens on June 15, 1948, at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton, Minnesota. After their marriage they farmed near Collis, Minnesota. In 1956 they moved to the farm in Leonardsville Township until retirement. To this union five children were born. Pete was very active in 4-H with his children. In 1978, the couple semi-retired and moved to Alexandria in the winter and then back to the farm by Dumont in the summer. In 1988 the couple retired to Alexandria and enjoyed traveling south in their RV in the winter.
Pete and Veronica enjoyed square dancing. They were involved in a Square Dance Club in Wheaton and Alexandria. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, camping and especially time with his family.
Pete died on Sunday, February 1, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Veronica; and children and spouses all of Minnesota. Connie (Roger) Weinman of Coon Rapids, Pam (Lyle) Krieg of Moorhead, Kevin (Chris) of Corcoran, Jennifer (Charles) Hellquist-Rice of Andover, and Doug (Debra) of Millerville; 14 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and son-in-law, John Hellquist.