Alvin Alexander Schafer

Alvin A. Schafer, 98 years old, who was a cherished and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a friend to all that knew him, died in Plano, TX and departed for his heavenly home on June 1. Al resided in Rocky Ford until 2022 when he moved to Frisco, TX to be closer to his Great Grandchildren.

Al as he was known by his many friends in the Rocky Ford, CO area was born on the family farm in the Holbrook area north of Swink, CO. His dad Fredrick was a farmer and Al grew up on the family farm with his brothers Fred and Bill and sisters Martha and Freida. Raising watermelons and cantaloupe brought many visitors to their farm on weekends during July and August as well as supplying melons for the Arkansas Valley Fair. They made many marketing trips to the farm market in Colorado Springs. Alvin married Mildred in 1949 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and they spent nearly 65 years together, whether it was volunteering at church or in the community, travelling with friends, raising a family and enjoying the grandkids. They enjoyed the blessings that the Lord gave them and never lost hope during the hardships that life threw at them.

Al worked at both the Swink and Rocky Ford sugar factories in addition to farming in the 1940s and 1950s. He served in the Army from 1952-1954. Al spent the majority of his work career at the Rocky Ford Post Office starting in 1955. He served as Assistant Postmaster from 1958 – 1972, and as a rural route carrier until his retirement in 1989. To his family and friends, they remember a man who cared about the people all around him. He was there making sure that special package or letter was delivered, or serving the people that needed the meals when he delivered Meals on Wheels, assisting the individuals who needed a helping hand, or the friend or family member who just needed someone to talk to upon the passing of a loved one. He got to know our friends during the times that he chaperoned at various events or trips, the time spent at the Koshare kiva working behind the scenes, or teaching and working at the church. Al & Mildred made many friends on group trips, which they took with Joe and Shirley Baublits, their neighbors and best friends. Throughout the years, Al led Bible studies in Rocky Ford and at his Assisted Living home in Frisco, TX. He was also a master carpenter, not only building various projects, but taking the time to teach and pass on his skills to those who wanted to learn.

Al’s kids, Fred and Loretta and their families, remember a Dad and Grandfather who made sacrifices to take them all across the country to learn and see fun and historic places, but to also see God’s handiwork. He was always there to be a part of their life and to help when he could. The Lord was the most important person in Al’s life and then his family. He enjoyed the times he had to share his faith as a Bible class leader or just as a friend. Especially in hard times, he was there and his love shown through.

Alvin was preceded in death by his wife Mildred and his brothers and sisters, Fred, Bill, Martha & Freida. He is survived by his son Fred and wife Linda and daughter Loretta and husband Steve, Grandkids David & wife Dana, Rachel & husband Stephen and Matt & wife Caroline. Great Grandkids include Jack, Caroline, Abigail, and Hannah.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on June 14, 2025 at 11 am.

Graveside services in Rocky Ford, Colorado will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Carrollton, TX; Lutheran Hour Ministries, St. Louis, or the Grand Theater in Rocky Ford, Colorado.