My condolences to the Schaefer families on the passing of Randy. We became friends in high school and I have many memories of fun times with him and his family. It was great to reconnect with him the past few years when I would see him in Paynesville. He was a loved husband, father, son and brother, and a great friend to many. I’m lucky and grateful to have known him. May the fond memories you have of Randy help you through this difficult time. My prayers for all of you.
Randall W. "Randy" Schaefer
March 16, 1966 – September 13, 2024
Randall Wayne Schaefer, 58, of Paynesville, Minnesota passed away on September 13, 2024, of a spontaneous brain hemorrhage.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville. Pastor Paul Shumaker will officiate.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and after 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the church in Paynesville.
Randy was born on March 16, 1966, to Melvin and Doreen Schaefer in Paynesville, Minnesota. After Randy graduated from Paynesville High School in 1984, he studied computer programming at Alexandria Technical College.
He went on to work in the corporate world, working for over 35 years at Wells Fargo. While there, he held 18 different titles, concluding with the title of Senior Vice President of Desktop Services. In 2022 he retired from the corporate world and moved home to his favorite place: Lake Koronis. In 2023, he began working as the Executive Director of the Paynesville Area Community Foundation. His passionate work for the Foundation impacted the community far and wide.
A lifelong Eagle Scout and devout Christian, Randy was a man devoted to his family, his faith, and his community.
He was a loving husband to his wife, Susan Schaefer, and a caring father to his daughter, Ruth Hovel (Alex) and son, Aaron Schaefer (Amanda). Becoming a grandfather to Crosley Schaefer and Hudson Hovel was one of his most recent joys.
Randy was preceded in death by Doreen Schaefer. He is survived by Melvin Schaefer (father) and his siblings, Maria Wight (David), Russell Schaefer (Becky) and Amy Horn (Dean).
Memorial gifts can be made to the Schaefer Family Fund of the Paynesville Area Community Foundation at www.CommunityGiving.org/Donate
Guestbook
I have been so lucky to have known Randy over these past few years. He was a great help and inspiration as we worked together to help move my Trail Guard program to a sustainable future. This has been an incredibly shocking loss to so many. My deepest condolences to all of Randy\’s family and friends.
Susan and family, the Musliners are so sorry for your loss. Randy was a wonderful leader and mentor. Kevin has great memories of their triip to Philmont! Praying for strength and comfort.
Dear family. Our deepest sympathy to you in this sad loss of dear Randy. We admire him so much and love you all. He is in the arms of Jesus and we pray you cling to your faith to see you through. Randy loved the Lord. He was kind, fun, generous and a man of integrity.
Much love from our family to yours.
Susan, I was so sorry to read the news on Facebook of Randy’s passing. Our heart goes out to you and your family. Know that we are thinking of you and praying for your strength moving forward in the days ahead.
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about Randy. My sympathy and prayers to you and your family. May you feel the Lord’s peace during this difficult time.
Although our friendship was cut too short, it makes us value all of the moments we shared even more. A little golf, countless pontoon rides, bon fires, and dinners together were so much fun. We just assumed we would have many more years of doing these things with you and Susan. Rest in Peace Koronis Besty. ❤️
Our community is reeling at the loss of Randy in our community. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you, his family. I can only begin to imagine what you are going through and my prayers for you will continue. It is hard to believe that I only met Randy a year ago. We shared a nice, easy friendship and lots of great conversations. We had nearly daily communications over a couple months when working on the county parks project, and he was such a wonderful help and supporter. He was such a great family man with so much respect for how he was raised and how much he loved his family. He was so happy to talk about the grandchildren and share new photos of them. Randy was such a special, real, authentic human being. Our community has been so blessed that Randy and Susan came back to retire and make such a wonderful impact here for good. I wish it could have lasted many years longer, but I guess it was not meant to be. His goodness, teachings and love will carry on in many ways. With much love to you, and gratitude for the life of Randy Schaefer. Linda Liestman
To all of us who admired and loved Randy:
The phrase “there are no words” seems to fit right now. I cannot fathom what you’re going through, but I love and think of you.
Lynn R. Daly
My family and I are so sorry for the loss Randy. A great friend, son, husband, and father. Randy and I spent many days together in our youth playing basketball or baseball and played on our high golf team. We went on several Boy Scout camps together and always had a good time. May God be with his wife and family. Rest in peace Randy. Steven Spaulding
So sorry to hear about this.
Randy was one of the most genuinely nice guys I’ve ever known. His whole life he was kind, thoughtful, there for the people he loved, and all-around decent.
The world is poorer without him.
Services
Schedule Details
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville. Pastor Paul Shumaker will officiate.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville and after 9:30 a.m. on Friday at the church in Paynesville.