Eugene Joseph Schaeffer

Eugene J. Schaeffer, 75, Ferdinand

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Eugene Joseph Schaeffer, born on Dec. 17, 1931, to Joseph G. and Anna Gehring Schaeffer on the family farm in Ferdinand, Idaho, died Dec. 1, 2007. He was the fifth of Joe and Anna's seven children. He was affectionately known by his friends and family as "Pooch." He attended St. Maurus Grade School in Ferdinand and graduated from Ferdinand High school in 1949. He married the love of his life and his lifelong best friend, Ella Wessels, on July 19, 1952, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Greencreek, Id.

During the early years of their married life, they lived in Lewiston. They moved to Nezperce and worked for Turner-Lux Farms. In 1959, they moved to Ferdinand and began their farming and ranching life. For many years Pooch also worked at the Livestock Market in Lewiston and Cottonwood.

His family, his Faith and his Farm were the center of his life. He and Ella had five children. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather who cared deeply for his family's physical and spiritual needs. He often volunteered his time and many talents for his church community as a member of the Holy Name Society and Parish Council. He was Eucharistic minister at The Assumption Catholic Church in Ferdinand. He enjoyed singing in the church, community, and home.

With his wife and children by his side, he found the strength to meet the many challenges of farming on the Camas Prairie. He was Passionate about farming and ranching. He believed farming was his life's calling and as such for him farming was a spiritual experience. He took joy in helping others and his family see the hand of God in everyday living experiences. He was a kind, tenderhearted person.

Pooch's many interests and hobbies included aviation, woodworking, writing, fishing and horses. He demonstrated a creative talent with woodworking and he was a published author. He enjoyed flying and building model airplanes and also enjoyed countless hours fishing for steelhead on the Salmon River. He especially loved working with and caring for his horses.

He is survived by Ella, his wife of 55 years; and his five children, including his sons, Keith and wife Leah of Ritzville, WA., Clifford and wife Kelly of Kennewick, WA.; and his daughters, Lynn and husband Gary Rehder of Cottonwood, ID., Tona and husband Tony Koch of Hayden, ID., and Brenda and husband Nick Senger of Spokane, WA.; he is survived by grandchildren, Macie, Amanda, JoAnna, Vance, Nicole, Clinton, Kimberly, Jill, Jan, Krystal, Ryan, Gus, Christopher, Ryan, Joseph, Teresa, Sarah; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Schaeffer; and two sisters, Armella Haener and Joann Meyers.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and his sisters, Loretta Bauman, Ann Wensman; his brother, Ralph Schaeffer; and his loving grandson, Jacob Riener.

There will be a recitation of the rosary at the Assumption Catholic Church in Ferdinand at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Assumption Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007. Burial will follow at the Ferdinand Cemetery.