Dr. Jerry J. Schafer
September 10, 1932 ~ March 31, 2023
Dr. Jerry Schafer, age 90, passed away Friday, March 31, 2023 at Comfort Care Home in Wichita, KS. He was born September 10, 1932 in El Dorado, KS to Harry and Marie (Binter) Schafer. He graduated from Cunningham High School and attended Pratt Community College before serving in the U.S. Navy for two years. Jerry married Evelyn Schnittker on August 17, 1954. They were married for 67 years before her death in 2021.Jerry completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1959 from Kansas State University. He practiced for 18 years in Pretty Prairie, KS, and then worked as veterinary inspector in the meat packing industry until retirement in 1997. He and Evelyn lived in Manhattan, Pretty Prairie, and Garden City, KS, Dallas, TX, and Topeka, KS before settling in Wichita, KS in recent years. They enjoyed participating in church, travel, K-State sports, dancing, gardening, golf, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jerry was active in booster clubs, the Lions Club, the Castleton Men’s Group, Pretty Prairie’s school board, the Knights of Columbus, and garden clubs. The Pretty Prairie Rodeo was an important part of the Schafer family and there are many memories. It was one of the things that Jerry enjoyed very much. He was known as “Doc” to many friends, clients, and colleagues, and enjoyed coffee and conversation with hundreds of folks over the years. He loved rocking and singing to his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, had a good ear for music, a quick laugh, beautiful singing voice, and a sharp memory for names.Jerry and Evelyn were advocates for their eldest daughter, Cindy, who was born with developmental disabilities. He served on the board for Southwest Developmental Services in Garden City, KS. Together, he and Evelyn worked tirelessly to ensure that Cindy’s needs were met, and opportunities were provided to her and to other persons with special needs.Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill, Chuck, Richard, and AJ; wife, Evelyn. He is survived by daughters, Cindy Schafer of Wichita, Susan (Ron) of Randolph, KS, Judy (Ron) Jones of Owasso, OK; sons, Greg (Cindy) Schafer of Wichita, Dennis (Nancy) Schafer of Anacortes, WA; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church.
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I grew up on a dairy farm south of Pretty Prairie and Dr.Schafer was our Veterinarian. He was very knowledgeable and kind to the animals. My Dad thought very highly of him. My condolences to your family. I’m sure you have lots of special memories.
Nita Seyb McFarland