Rudolph Schaff

1936 - 2011

Rudolph 'Rudy' Herbert Schaff, 75, of rural Ethel, Mo., passed away Thursday, April 1, at his home.
He was born March 14, 1936, in Batesville, Ark., to Rudolph Herebert Schaff, Sr., and Pauline Laura (McNett) Schaff. He was baptized June 7, 1936, in the Lutheran church and confirmed his faith on April 2, 1950.
Rudy married Beverly Hoins on May 6, 1956, in Waverly.
Rudy served in the United States Air Force and the Air Force Reserve for six years. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly and Concordia College in Mequon, Wis.
He served as a lay missionary to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India for five years. Rudy also served Zion Lutheran Church in Crookston, Neb., and Grace Lutheran in Merriman, Neb., for 22 years. He was ordained into the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
He never tired of spreading the word of the Lord and continued to preach in area churches near his home. Rudy also enjoyed other activities such as hunting, beekeeping, crafts and music.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; six daughters, Thea (Arturo) Hernandez of Sandwich, Ill., Tamara (William) Schumacher of St. Louis, Mo., Rachel of Marlborough, Mass., Heide (Michael) Doering of Plugerville, Texas, Stephanie of Bellevue, Neb., and Katrina (Justin) Kumfer of Tokyo, Japan; three sons, Rudy III (Julie) of Westgate, John (Leandra) of Litchfield, Ill., and Andrew (Noel) of Chia Yi, Taiwan; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and one brother, Richard (Lona) of Vancouver, Wash.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Barbara Adams.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Mission Central, 40718 Highway E 16, Mapleton, or the family.