Archived Services

George Theodore “Ted” Schaefer III
05-29-2017

George Theodore “Ted” Schaefer III, 73, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017 at the VA Medical Center. Ted was born January 13, 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to George and Mina (Hahn) Schaefer. He graduated from Washington High School and Sioux Falls College with a B.A. in Biology.

From 1965-1973 he served in the United States Army, Marine Corps and the Army Reserve. While serving in the Army’s 504^th Medical Detachment Scout and Sentry Dogs in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor  for 2 separate acts of heroism in ground combat. He was then assigned to the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Fredrick, Maryland. He also served as a Veterinary Specialist with the Physical Sciences Division of the Research Institute.

After his service, he worked as a Food Inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture. He retired after 26 years.  

He married Nancy (Scholl) January 6, 1979 in Sioux Falls. They enjoyed five years in Hartford, South Dakota before moving to Sioux Falls in 1985. They were married thirty-eight years.

Ted had a love for animals and farming, family camping trips, hunting and fishing, and his 70’s era muscle cars.   

He is survived by his wife: Nancy; 6 children: Kerry (Mark) Reuer, Sioux Falls, Kristina (Brian) Sanfilippo, Peyton, Colorado, Kimberly(Andrew) Miller, Matthew Schaefer, Michael Schaefer, Katie (Michael) Barber, all of Sioux Falls and six grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister: Barbara (Ralph) Pierce, Sioux Falls; brothers: Douglas (Nancy) Schaefer, Berthoud, Colorado, and Terrance (Nancy) Schaefer, Sioux Falls as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Ted was preceded in death by his parents.

He is a member of The Church of St. Mary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and is a member of Marquette Council of the Knights of Columbus, 4thdegree.

Visitation will be Thursday June 1, 5:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7:00 PM followed by the Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday June 2, 10:30 AM at the Church of St. Mary. Burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery with Full Military Rites.