Larry Schaefer

Larry Schaefer passed away at home on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at the age of 87 surrounded by his family and his beloved wife Joyce.

Larry was born at home on May 19, 1936 in Boulder to Lawrence (LJ) and Ella (Lousberg) Schaefer. Larry attended 12 different elementary schools in several states, as the family followed his father's construction work during World War II. They settled at the family farm three miles south of St. Peter's Church, where Larry completed fifth through eighth grade at the St. Peter's School. He then attended Fleming High School and graduated in 1955.

While in high school, he met and later married his sweetheart, Joyce Uhler. They were married at St. Peter's Church on Oct. 3, 1958. Larry worked for the Western Electric Telephone Company in Denver and then was drafted into the Army shortly after their wedding. He and Joyce moved to El Paso, Texas, where he was stationed. Their first child, Mike, was born while they were stationed in El Paso.

After his service in the military, the young family moved to Lakewood in 1960. While in Lakewood, they completed their family with children Lynn, Tammy, Jim and Kathy. During that time, Larry worked in construction with his uncle, Lee Schaefer. In 1966, Larry started Sportsman Manufacturing Company, where he designed and built trailbikes and accessories. This led to many fun camping and racing trips in the Colorado mountains, of which the family has countless fond memories. Larry's brother Dick continued the business, which is still in operation today.

Larry later returned to construction, where he ran a dealership for Chief metal buildings and was a top salesman. He was also involved in the construction of the original Casa Bonita restaurant in Denver.

He brought his knowledge of construction and love for innovation to Fleming in 1976, where he had his own business along with operating the family farm. He completed many projects over the years: remodels, homes, commercial projects, in-floor heating systems and concrete homes built with insulating concrete forms. The children and grandchildren all have at least one special piece that Larry made; he used his creative talents to build furniture, tables, cabinets, toys and bowls each bearing the stamp "Handcrafted by Larry J. Schaefer." He loved the Town of Fleming and was involved with many projects including updating the Town of Fleming sign which welcomes visitors and the Veterans Memorial project at the town cemetery.

He managed many different dealerships over the years and patented a jig for laying spiraled brick columns. He designed and built his own custom home in which he and Joyce have lived for many years. The family home features many of his innovations and is a favorite gathering place for holidays and celebrations.

Larry was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, served as the mayor of Fleming for 12 years and served on the Grainland Coop board for 12 years. In his retirement years, he enjoyed morning coffee and conversation as part of the round table at the Fleming Coop.

Larry loved a challenge. He was a teacher, an inventor and mentored numerous people in the construction business. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and they all assisted in various projects including construction, in-floor heat, woodworking, metalwork and working on motors.

He had a love of cars; he and his son Mike restored a '55 T-Bird, which was similar to the '56 T-Bird he bought after high school. This car was seen in many local parades and car shows, including the 2018 Fleming Fall Festival when he and Joyce were recognized as the Grand Marshals. He also had a '36 Ford Rum Runner, which was the same model car he learned to drive in.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce; siblings Kathleen Bornhoft, Kenny and wife Iva Schaefer, Mary Beth Pyle and Dick and wife Lyn Schaefer; sister-in-law Marlene Campbell; brother-in-law Gene and wife Rita Uhler; children Mike and wife Denise Schaefer, Lynn Krueger, Tammy and husband Tim Sonnenberg, Jim and wife Lisa Schaefer and Kathy and husband Bob Wernsman; grandchildren Damon and wife Ashley Schaefer, Corrie and husband Gus Alonzo, Bryce and wife Lindsay Boerner, Kassie and husband Tyler Thieszen, Jeni and husband Josh Larson, AJ and wife Sarah Sonnenberg, Amy and Kate Drury, Cody and wife Alissa Sonnenberg, Danny and wife Jaime Sonnenberg, Allison and husband Andrew Wernsman, Ryan Schaefer, Elli Wernsman, Haley Wernsman, and Collin Wernsman; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents LJ and Ella Schaefer; parents-in-law Eddie and Opal Uhler; sister Darlene Bornhoft; brothers-in-law Paul Bornhoft, Tom Bornhoft and Dale Pyle; son-in-law Lonnie Krueger; and grandson Jace Harris.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter's Church for a new church hall. Send donations to Tennant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.

Memorial Mass was held at St. Peter's Catholic Church with Father Jerry Rohr on Jan. 4. Inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Peter's Cemetery.