Wavel Elvin Schafer, of Kanawha, Iowa, and formerly of Lutsen, Minnesota, was the youngest child of Elmer and Gertrude (Stille) Schaefer. He died on October 20, 2020, at the age of 91, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A funeral service was held October 25 at Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond, Iowa.
Wavel was born in rural Klemme, Iowa, and attended Klemme area schools. In 1949, he was united in marriage to Mary Lynn Trees and together they had four children. On February 15, 1973, Wavel united two families when he married Darlene Webb Shipler and happily became father to her seven children.
Wavel farmed in the first half of his life and was a jack-of-all-trades later. His passion in life was hunting, fishing, and trapping. He had a great appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife.
Wavel was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Velda Blank, and a brother, Melvin Schaefer.
Wavel is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene and children Aimee (Marlo) Luick, Paul (Nyla) Schaefer, Kelly (Sue Shipler) Shaefer, Scott Schaefer, Mick Shipler, Rob (Malia) Shipler, Angie (Clint) Ross, Traci Myers, Todd (DeAnn) Shipler, Leslie Towell, 21 grand children, 41 great-grandchildren and special pets, Tag (the deer) and Dufes (a cat).
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