Aug. 20, 1920-Dec. 8, 2006
Harley O. Schaefer, 86, died on Dec. 8, 2006 at his home in Sweet Home.
He was born August 20, 1920 in Carroll, Iowa, to Frank G. and Blanche Leir Schaefer. The family moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., where he grew up.
Mr. Schaefer graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., with a dual major in physical education and biology, and minors in science and math.
He taught and coached sports in junior and senior high schools in South Dakota, California and Oregon for 33 years.
He entered the Army Air Force in July 1942 and was stationed in Chabua, India. He served 15 months in intelligence and, as a pilot, he flew war supplies to China over the Himalayan mountain range. He crash landed in the dense jungles of Burma, where he and his buddies were able to walk out to safety.
After being honorably discharged in February 1946, Mr. Schaefer met and married his wife Jean. They shared a life together for 56 years. They had two sons, Scott and Terry Schaefer, and a grandson, Jason Schaefer.
Mr. Schaefer was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother.