Kenneth Schaefer

1948 - 2025

Kenneth Schaefer

May 1, 1948 - October 3, 2025

Kenneth V. Schaefer of Walcott, Iowa, passed away on October 3, 2025, in Port Charlotte, FL, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Per his request, cremation services were held. Ken was born May 1, 1948, in Davenport, IA, to Vernon and Thelma (Alta) Schaefer. He graduated from Davenport Central High School.

Ken served in the Army in Grafenewoehr, Germany. After his discharge, he moved to Valdez, AK, to work on the Trans-Alaskan oil line. Later, he worked on St. Paul Island, in the Bering Sea, doing environmental drilling. He settled on a farm in Wasilla, AK, where he cleared a forest for a road, built a cabin, and enjoyed hunting moose and Dall sheep and fishing for salmon, often as a guide for visitors.

After returning to the mainland, he was a self-employed driller and contractor. For rest and relaxation, he made annual visits to Maui, HI, to enjoy snorkeling and whale watching. After returning to Iowa following his retirement, he enjoyed farm sales, restoring John Deere tractors, building numerous bird and bat houses, hatching quail and pheasant eggs to release in the wild, beekeeping, and listening to the Moody Blues. He planted extensive gardens, especially loving heirloom tomatoes. Later he moved to Walcott, Iowa, where on his farm he enjoyed abundant wildlife and also owned the Probstei Inn Bar and Grill. A man of many passions and unique perspectives, Ken found his greatest joy in nature and the great outdoors.

Survivors include his sisters, Marilyn Schreiber, Carolyn (Patrick) Webber, and Cheryl Williams; nephews and nieces, Curt (Martha) Schreiber, John (Kerri) Schreiber, Teresa (Todd) Fey, Bryan (Kristin) Webber, and Christie (Michael) Stone; 12 great nieces and nephews; and aunt, Dorothy Pettit.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Larry D. Schreiber.

Online condolences maybe expressed at www.rungemortuary.com. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Memorials may be made to Scott County Pheasants Forever or a charity of your choice.

Runge Mortuary & Crematory

838 E. Kimberly Rd

Davenport, IA 52807

563-391-6202