Geary Gene Schafer, 80, of Gorham, Kansas, died on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Geary was born on June 10, 1941, in Milberger, Kansas, the son of Elmer and Esther I. (Nuss) Schafer. He grew up in the Milberger, Galatia, Russell and Gorham, Kansas area and attended Milberger Rural Schools. He was united in marriage to Judith Arlene Dumler in 1961. From this union Geary and Judith were blessed with raising two children Tonya and Terry. Judith preceded him in death on June 28, 1985. Geary found love for a second time and was united in marriage to Iris Emma Schroeder on October 04, 2001, in Russell, Kansas. Geary worked most all his life as a truck driver working in the oilfield industry, Pepsi and Abco. He was a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and American Anglers Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting aluminum cans. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids, great grandkids and extended family.
Surviving family include his wife Iris Schafer of the home; daughter Tonya Cullen and husband Jeffrey of Gorham, Kansas; son Terry Schafer of Salina, Kansas; brother Robert Schafer and sister Roberta Hupfer and fiancée Jim Mermis all of Gorham, Kansas; 5 grandkids and 6 great grandkids.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, infant son Tracy Schafer and granddaughter Jenna Schafer. A celebration of Geary’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 04, 2021, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, November 03, 2021, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.