Harry R Schafer Obituary (1947 - 2025)

Born May 11, 1947, Harry R Schafer attended Worland High School in Worland, WY. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Harry R Schafer.

Graduation Year	Class of 1965
Date of Birth	May 11, 1947
Date of Passing	Mar 31, 2025
About	Harry Ray Schafer passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Moore, Oklahoma. Born on May 11, 1947, in Worland, Wyoming, Harry was the beloved son of Eldon and Arline Schafer. He grew up in Greybull, Wyoming and enjoyed camping and staying in a tree house with his brothers and friends. He attended college at the University of Wyoming in Laramie and met the love of his life, Elaine, while working as an orderly in the same hospital she did as a nurse aid. They eloped and were married on October 3, 1967 and Harry graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Laboratory Sciences. Harry’s job in the lab at the VA brought them to Cheyenne, Wyoming and there they bought their first house and started their family. Their marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love, lasting 57 years until Elaine’s passing on October 23, 2024. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, kindness, and family. Their love story was recently deepened when his daughters discovered the sweet and heartfelt letters he wrote to Elaine during their courtship—proof of the tender heart behind his quiet demeanor. A devoted and present father, Harry poured his heart into raising his daughters, Michelle and Kristen. He coached their softball teams, encouraged them to be self-reliant, and never stopped cheering them on through every season of life. He was always just a phone call away, ready to fix anything, offer advice, or simply lend a listening ear. He was the same way with his grandkids and attended games, concerts, graduations and every important event in their lives. Harry developed a love for photography and spent a lot of time honing this skill. He took several photography classes and at one time had his own developing lab in the house. He tried his best to do portraits but had more of a love for photographing landscapes than people. He loved being in nature and was an amateur geologist, taking after his older brother Robert. He would look for rocks and fossils, share these with his kids and grandkids and visit museums together. Harry also had a love for astronomy and enjoyed looking through the telescope and teaching the grandkids about the moon, planets and constellations. He also learned to enjoy woodworking by spending time with Elaine’s dad, Owen Lambert. Harry became the Secretary for the Central Oklahoma Woodturners Association and enjoyed using his photography skills to help set up the cameras at their classes. He was also very willing to spend his time teaching others these skills and shared his creativity by making several items for people to enjoy, even winning a Best in Show ribbon at the Oklahoma State Fair. Harry was an active member of the Gideons, living out his strong Christian faith quietly but consistently, with a heart always turned toward service. Harry and Elaine were always very dedicated to their church family and friends. They enjoyed playing games and spending time with them. Harry was truly loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His gentle presence, steady encouragement, and quiet strength made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He is survived by his daughters Michelle (Don) Stephens and Kristen (Josh) Ballesteros; his grandchildren, Devon (Cady Belsky) Stephens, Nathan Stephens, Emily Ballesteros, and Brock Ballesteros. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, parents Eldon and Arlene and his brothers, Gary, Robert and Donald Schafer.