Theodore Edward Schaeffer

He was born to Theodore George Schaeffer and Fay Jean Reimers in Rifle, Colorado on February 8, 1948.

In 1966, Ted graduated from Grand Valley High School and was drafted and proudly served in the Army. While in Vietnam he was exposed to Agent Orange and in recent years suffered from the effects. With all of these afflictions he always said he would do it again.

Ted married Jera Costanzo on February 14, 1974. Together they had two sons, Mike and Nate.

Ted worked as a heavy equipment operator in construction most of his life. In life, Ted enjoyed outdoor activities with his family and was always working on a project in his wood shop. Ted always loved when his grandchildren were around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Janet Penoyer; and a brother, Lanny Schaeffer.

He is survived by his wife Jera; sons, Mike (Vera) Schaeffer of DeBeque, and Nate (Becky) Schaeffer of Parachute; three grandchildren, Cayden, LeLoni and Braylee Schaeffer; brothers, Alan Schaeffer of Parachute, John (Anavie) Schaeffer of Billings, Montana, Larry (Pam) Jackson of Arizona; and his sister, Elaine (Russell) Craig of Parachute; also may nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10AM, at Grand Valley United Methodist Church; 132 Parachute Ave, Parachute, CO 81635. A graveside service will be directly after at the Battlement Mesa Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Morrisania Community House.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans online at: www.dav.org, or mailed to: Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Condolences may be left at www.MartinMortuary.com.