Howard Lee Schafer, Jr., 70, of Ottumwa, died at 7:12 a.m. August 1, 2025 at his home.
He was born August 25, 1954 in Fairfield to Howard Lee and Elizabeth Mae Jacobs Schafer, Sr. He married Georgeanna Gaffield August 15, 1992.
A 1973 graduate of Fox Valley High School in Milton, Lee had worked as a farmhand for many years.
Lee had been a member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene.
He loved going to Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant and enjoyed watching trains and big trucks. He loved spending time with his family.
Surviving is his wife, Georgeanna; 2 children, Thomas Schafer and Theresa Schafer (Ryan Halblom) both of Ottumwa; 2 grandchildren, Trenton Mark Harland, Jr. and Maverick James Harland; 3 siblings, Artie (Cathy) Schafer of Lockridge, Linda (Dwayne) Moore of Milton, Leo (Nancy) Schafer of Fairfield; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Elmer “Jim” Schafer, infant Richard Schafer; 2 sisters, Marylee Schafer, infant Theresa Schafer.
Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 5th, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 6th, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Seldon officiating. Burial will be in Sunnyside Cemetery near Milton.
