Gary West Schaefer

April 11, 1950 – August 28, 2020
Age 70 of Cottage Grove, Minnesota passed away at home on August 28, 2020. After a short battle with cancer he is now in heaven at peace with his Lord and Savior. He was born to parents Arthur and Ruth (Cox) Schaefer on April 11, 1950 in Mineola, New York. Gary graduated from Crystal Lake High School (Illinois) in 1969 and went on to McHenry Community College to pursue a career in law enforcement. He loved fishing and fireworks and enjoyed creating spectacular displays for the Fourth of July. He met Beverly Jacobson in June of 1985, they married in 1987 in Coeur d’Alene, ID, and were married for 33 years. Gary is survived by his wife Bev Schaefer, brothers Chuck Schaefer (Linda) and Richard Schaefer (Sharon), son James Schaefer, daughter Niki C son Dustin Strickland, and four grandchildren. A memorial service via Zoom is being planned, with a “Celebration of Life” reception for immediate family following the service.