Lee Nicholas Schaefers

Lee Schaefers, 84, of Alexandria, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, under the care of Avera@Home Hospice at Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. A prayer service and a time of sharing will conclude the visitation at 6:30 p.m.

He was raised in Farmer SD, he attended catholic school in his early years before graduating from Farmer High School. He treasured growing up in Farmer along with his sisters and was known for some good-natured mischief with his brother. Lee developed a love for farming in those early days and continued building the strong work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life.

Lee was united in marriage to Betty Sprague on September 2, 1961, in Farmer. Lee and Betty started building their life together in Mitchell, where he worked for Mitchell Concrete. He became known for his hard work and his daily tomfoolery, which kept the hard days manageable. Soon they moved to the family farm, where all the kids were raised. Lee took great pride in farming. He understood the value of the hard work to raise a family and the farm. He was always satisfied to have the work done and most importantly done right. In quieter moments, he was happiest with a good western on television and one of his dogs nearby. It was important to Lee that Sunday Mass be on the TV every Sunday, giving time for reflection, prayer and thankfulness. Lee's greatest attribute was caring for Betty and the family they raised, extending from their kids, grandkids and eventual great-grandkids. He had undeniable strength, and that courageousness never wavered through his hospice care. Evident from the connection he made with the hospice staff and how everyone quickly cherished his conversation and playfulness.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty Schaefers of Alexandria; sons, Greg (Trish) Schaefers of Alexandria and Glenn Schaefers of Alexandria; daughters, Barb (Brian) French of Tea, SD and Mary Schaefers of Brandon; grandchildren, Jared Schaefers, Nick (Traci) Schaefers, Justin (Kristin) Schaefers, Lindsay Schaefers, Amanda (Fiancé Matt Sorensen) Schaefers, Ethan (McKenzie) French, Tye Schaefers, and Kady Sehr;  great grandchildren, Kenzie, Cohen, Carson, Vivian, Stella, Sophi, Jackson, and Adalynn; brother, Larry (Deanna) Schaefers of Mitchell; sisters, Elaine Schaefers of Mitchell, Evelyn (Keith) Waldron of Bellevue, NE, Margie (Guy Sharp) Schaefers of Pierre, SD, and Marilyn (John) Tobin of Alexandria, SD; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Bernadine; and Kevin Sehr, father to Kady.