Donn Schafer

Donn Schafer, 74, of Charles City, peacefully passed away at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.

A public gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 from 5-8 p.m. at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City. Those in attendance will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines and to please wear a face covering.

A private family service will be held at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City with Pastor Russ Leeper officiating. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City at a later date.

Donn Ivan Schafer was born Oct. 6, 1946, in the old Charles City Hospital. He was the oldest child of Frances (O’Brien) and Ivan Doyle Schafer, and was raised on the family farm near Greene.

Donn was baptized and confirmed at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Greene. He attended country school in his elementary years and graduated from Greene High School where he was very successful on the football field. Donn attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in mathematics education.

While at UNI, Donn had a pesty girl sitting behind him in calculus class. He always said, “She chased me and chased me until I finally caught her.” Cherie Cobet was blessed to marry Donn Schafer in 1969 at the Tama Methodist Church. Two wonderful sons were born to them who have always been the pride of their lives. Cherie always said that Donn was the most obnoxious grandfather ever. No one could brag more than he could about his Fabulous Five. They were the light of his life and the beat of his heart.

Donn was a teacher who also coached. He taught seven years in the Plainfield School and then 28 years in Charles City. His students rarely forgot Donn – either loving him or not. During his years in education, Donn coached nearly every sport but always said his favorite was his last one – boys cross country.

Donn loved to work in the dirt and was well known for his garden and flowers. He loved to trout fish with his boys, read, do jigsaw puzzles, and play UNO with the grandkids. He was a wonderful problem solver and handyman who could figure out a way to fix things. He had MANY tools! Donn and Cherie loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful vacations. They especially loved their biannual trips to Hawaii.

Donn was always ready to help someone. He has served on various boards of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served on the Plainfield City Council, was President of Charles City Sunrisers Kiwanis, and also served on the board of the Charles City Lions Club. He was President and served many years as the chief negotiator of the Charles City Education Association. Upon retirement, he volunteered 15 years in the elementary schools of Charles City and has overseen the Salvation Army kettles for several years. He was always a loyal UNI Panthers and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Donn is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cherie; two sons: Andrew (Jennifer) and Matthew (Jennifer), both of Ankeny; five grandchildren: Noah Schafer, Adam Schafer, Allison Schafer, Leah Schafer, and Sarah Schafer, all of Ankeny; siblings: Phillip (Kathy) Schafer, James (Linda) Schafer, Joan (Don) Gordon; sister-in-law, Chris (Mark) Jellum; along with many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Donn was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary Schafer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City and/or the Salvation Army Kettle Fund at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.