Eugene "Jimmy" Schafer, 70, of Lake Bronson, Minnesota passed away at Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center in Hallock on Thursday, September 14, 2017. Eugene George Schafer was born September 30, 1946 at Crookston, Minnesota to Frank and Anna (Linnert) Schafer.  Gene grew up in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota and was a 1965 graduate of Lafayette High School. After completing high school Gene's brother Robert flew him to Pipestone, Minnesota where he studied meat processing.  After becoming a butcher he opened Schafer's Locker Plant in Plummer, Minnesota.  Gene also worked construction and drove semi for several   years.  In the early nineties Gene took a job at Arctic Cat and was a welder there for over 20 years.  He moved to Lake Bronson in 2010 and retired in 2015. Eugene enjoyed dancing, playing cards and gardening.  He was also a Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan.  Eugene loved Anne's grandchildren, Summer, Spencer and Sawyer Billings, Chelanne and Jaden Kostrzewski.  He took pleasure in attending their sporting events and just spending time with them on the farm.

He is survived by his brothers, Robert, Red Lake Falls, MN, Larry (Candace), Red Lake Falls and Willard (Barbara), Lakeville, MN; his loving companion, Anne Billings, Lake Bronson; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents; a sister, Margaret Boutain and husband Dale; an infant brother, Alfred; a nephew, Jeffrey Boutain; and a sister-in-law, Judith Schafer.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Hallock. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Lake Bronson. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. Fr. Craig Vasek, presiding; Paige Schafer and Jaden Kostrzewski, gift bearers; Sharlene Klegstad, organist.  Casket bearers will be Barry Boutain, Lyndon Schultz, Matt Schafer, Brian Schafer, Mike Schafer and Scott Billings.