May 24, 1934 - August 10, 2017

Marvin L. Schaefer, 83, of Shell Lake died Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Indianhead Medical Center. He was born May 24, 1934 in the Blue Hills southeast of Rice Lake, WI, to Alfred and Sylvia (Studebaker) Schaefer. Marv attended Section Ten primary school and in 1941, the family moved to Shell Lake where he graduated high school. In his youth, he was actively involved in 4H and FFA. He enrolled at UW-River Falls, then worked briefly before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. After two years of service, Marv repaired appliances in St. Paul, MN.

He was married in Menomonie, WI on June 15, 1963 to Elaine Boernke. Later that year, they opened Schaefer Appliance in Shell Lake and in 1969 he began operating bee hives with his father and brother at Schaefer Apiaries. Marv raised bees and sold his honey to Sioux Bee Honey Association, and sold honey and beeswax candles at the retail store near Shell Lake. In the winters, he worked for Neuman Woodcraft. After retiring from beekeeping, Marv worked for Modrow's Woodcraft. 

Marv enjoyed golf, woodworking, camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, playing cards, puzzles and spending time with friends and family. His community was a very important part of his life, and he served on the Board of Directors at Glenview as well as on the administrative board at the Shell Lake United Methodist Church. He also founded the Washburn County Beekeepers Association.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine of Shell Lake; son Tom (Ann) Schaefer of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren: Emily and Erin; siblings: Rolland Schaefer of Shell Lake and Paul (Bev) Schaefer of Shell Lake; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Sylvia and Alfred; son, Dean; sister, Lorraine Minkley; brother, Donald.

 A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday; August 14, 2017 at Shell Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Miller officiating and burial in the Shell Lake Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Wisconsin Military Honors Team and the Spooner Honor Guard. Bearing his urn are his granddaughters: Emily and Erin.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:42 pm CST