VETERAN – Steve Schafer, age 72, was called to his eternal home on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Steve was born to Dick and Lois Ann (Dickson) Schafer in Riverton on February 16, 1953. He was the second of five children. Though his three brothers towered over him he was every bit as tough as them, yet as tenderhearted as his sweet sister. He attended elementary and junior high school in Cheyenne.
In 1967, the family relocated to Crystal Lake, Illinois. Steve excelled in both athletics and academics. He received state honors in both football as a quarterback, and wrestling. He was a member of the coveted Coach Mac’s Crystal Lake Highschool Heavy Hitters Club. Following high school graduation in 1971, Steve attended the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship, graduating in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management. He spent the next 39 years with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission as a Wildlife Biologist Superintendent. Steve retired in 2015 as a longtime, well-respected and valued employee.
In 1984, Steve met his forever love Lori Peterson through mutual friends. They were married on September 7, 1985 on Bear Creek. Their home for the next 30 years was at the Downer Bird Farm near Yoder. Steve and Lori welcomed Seth Michael and Callie Jean who completed their family.
In recent years, the source of his greatest joy were his grandchildren Oakley Ruth Ann and Payson Lyle. Faith and family were the priorities in his life. He was a 4-H leader for over 15 years, softball and youth basketball coach and his kids’ biggest fan on the football field, the basketball court and in the rodeo arena. Even after his kids graduated, Steve enjoyed following and attending Cyclone sports events and was honored to be awarded the Southeast Booster Club Fan of the Year. He was a gifted and well-respected horseman, “below average” golfer, avid hunter and outdoorsman, sports enthusiast, cribbage king, student of Scripture and a true patriot. He loved music, dogs and Wyoming. Steve was a man of faith and a man of patience; he was kind and selfless - a friend and neighbor you could always count on.
Steve is survived by his wife Lori of Veteran; son Seth (Ashley) Schafer, Comanche, Texas; daughter Callie Schafer, Veteran; granddaughter Oakley; grandson Payson; step-mother Diane Schafer, Cheyenne; brothers Greg (Louise), Pahrump, Nevada; Kurt (Lisa) Madison, Wisconsin; Mike (Patty) of Muncie, Indiana; sister Kirsten (Christopher), Marengo, Illinois; mother-in-law Mary Peterson, Modale, Iowa; sisters-in-law Lanette Grimes, Spirit Lake, Iowa; Lorraine (Barry) Thomas, Modale; Louanne (Al) Dietrich, Blue Eye, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Steve was proceeded in death by his parents Dick and Lois Schafer; father-in-law Jim Peterson; brothers-in-law Lonny Peterson, Steve Grimes, and Rex Johnsen.
Memorials may be made to the Goshen County Fairgrounds Foundation or the Southeast Booster Club. Arrangements are by the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
