David Duane Schaefer, known as Dave by all who knew him, passed away unexpectedly in Haxtun on Dec. 31, 2020 at the age of 67.

He was born on Sept. 21, 1953 in Sterling to Lee and Thyra Schaefer. On Aug. 17, 1979 Dave married Kathy Idler in a wedding chapel outside of Golden.

At the time of his death, Dave was employed by Wilson's Repair in Haxtun. He previously owned and operated Lee's Auto Parts in Haxtun before selling the business to Green's Repair which later became Wilson's Repair.

Dave was a retired volunteer firefighter with the Haxtun Volunteer Fire Department where he volunteered for 31 years and was also retired from being an EMT with the Haxtun EMT team which he was part of for 20 years. He very much enjoyed being a part of these organizations and the life-long friendships that he developed from both.

Dave had many hobbies and interests outside of work and it is hard to sum up the vast amount of knowledge that he had acquired over the years and all that he enjoyed doing in his free time. Dave was an avid wood and metal worker, enjoyed working as a mechanic, repairing and restoring everything he set his mind to. Dave enjoyed being with his family, spending endless hours with them while traveling, camping, exploring and rock hunting just to name a few. He enjoyed learning new things and putting his knowledge to use. Dave especially enjoyed seeing all of his friends and their children, whom he often spoke about, mentioning that they would come in to simply say hello and to visit.

Dave was getting ready to retire from Wilson's Repair and had many plans for retirement and the adventures that he would share with Kathy, his wife of 41 years.

Dave will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

He is survived by his spouse Kathy Schaefer, Haxtun; daughter Libby Schaefer, Laramie, Wyo .; mother Thyra Schaefer, Haxtun; brothers Dan Schaefer and significant other Mariko, Kanarraville, Utah, and Tony Schaefer, Haxtun. He is also survived by his uncle Virgil Schaefer, Yuma, and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Lee Schaefer.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.