Donald Duane Schafer

Donald Schafer of Fort Collins, Colorado Passed away on January 23, 2026. He was born in Fort Collins on September 03, 1937, to Katherine Elizabeth (Prester) Schafer and Fredrick Schafer.

He graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1955 where he met his graduation partner, wife to be and longtime companion Mavis Faye Williamson. He continued his education at Colorado State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1959. Don came from a family of eight children and money was tight. He joined the ROTC program to help with tuition and worked as much as possible at a local printing shop. Working his way through college and helping his struggling family along the way. His mother Katherine, died at an early age in 1957 leaving four children younger than Don without their mother.

In August of 1959 Don and Mavis were married and would begin their lives together. Don served in the US Army from 1959 – 1980 when he would retire with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout the military years Don and Mavis traveled the world. living in many places including Maryland, Arizona, and many places abroad. Don’s Service awards included Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Joint Service Commendation, Vietnam Honor Medal 1st class 1967 and 1969. Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and many service medals. He spent two tours in Vietnam as Transportation Inspector.

Donald was nominated to earn full Colonel ranking, but after 21 years he decided it was time to move on to other things. He moved back to Fort Collins where his brother Jerry was looking over the building of his new home on Colony Drive in South Fort Collins. He finished his Master’s degree, tried teaching but decided that was not what he wanted to do. Having taken several courses through the years in jewelry making he decided to open a Jewelry store. From 1983 – 2000 he was the owner of Craftsman’s Jewelers on Mason Street in Fort Collins where he created custom Jewelry. Don was meticulous in everything he did. His jewelry making was no exception. His creations were beautiful. Mavis worked alongside him drawing up illustrations for jewelry to make.

Although he and Mavis did not have children, he was a family man, helping out his family whenever he could. He hired his younger brother Jesse to help in the jewelry store when he was losing his eyesight due to diabetes complications and could not get work in other places. Jesse’s wife Chris, and nephews Travis and Brandon also worked for him as well.

Don is survived by his brother Frank Schafer and sister Katherine Schafer, sisters-in-law Chris Schafer (Jesse) and Jeanie Schafer (Frank), Marlene Bentz, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Katherine Schafer, his wife of 60+ years Mavis Williamson Schafer, siblings Robert, Jerald, Virginia, Jesse, Barbara, sister-in-law Marlene Bentz and his nephew Dana Schafer.

In his words: He was born, he lived, he died, he enjoyed life and lived it fully. It was great fun!!

A celebration of life and grave side service will be held later in March.