Lynn M. Schaefer

Valentine — Lynn Mark Schaefer, 96, of Valentine, died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Center in Atkinson.

A rosary was said Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at the church in Valentine.

Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine was in charge of the arrangements.

Lynn Mark Schaefer, born on April 26, 1927, in Valentine, peacefully journeyed to his eternal rest on Feb. 3, 2024. Lynn was the third of six children born to Ted and Kathryn (Howe) Schaefer.

Lynn attended elementary and middle school in Littleburg and Mission, SD respectively. He finished his education at Valentine High School where he graduated in 1944. 

Following high school, Lynn worked at White Eagle Mobil station owned by his brother Clem. It was during this time that he met the love of his life Darlene Schroeder. Lynn and Darlene exchanged vows in 1950, marking the beginning of a beautiful life together.

Lynn enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and was stationed in Germany where he served as a telephone tech. During his time in Germany, Lynn had the opportunity to tour various parts of Europe. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 6, 1954.

Following his military service, Lynn and Darlene settled in Martin, SD, where they operated the OK Court Motel and Drive-In owned by Darlene's father. 

In October 1954, they moved to Valentine where they welcomed their first child Suzanne, followed by Robert, Reggie and Denise.

Lynn took great pride in becoming the very first letter carrier in Valentine for the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, he owned and served as an agent for Schaefer Insurance for over 30 years.

Deeply committed to his Catholic faith, Lynn was instrumental in forming the Knights of Columbus in Valentine, ultimately becoming the first Grand Knight of his council. He was also an active member of the American Legion and VFW Post 5138. In his retirement years, Lynn managed the Valentine Veterans Club for two decades.

Lynn is survived by his younger sister Ruthie Ferris; his four children Suzanne (Don) Baker, Robert (Janie) Schaefer, Reggie Bennett and Denise (Ralph) Simons; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Darlene; his four siblings Don, Clem, Raymond and Eileen; as well as his grandson David.