Donald "Donny" Duane Schaeffer

Donald “Donny” Duane Schaeffer, age 66, of Mitchell, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. Services are pending and will be announced when available. Cards may be dropped off or mailed to Reverence Funeral Parlor. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Donny's obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Donny was born on September 3, 1958, on his family's quaint little farm in Windsor, Colorado. His parents, Fred Jr. and Helen (Meisner) Schaeffer, had always dreamed of having a son, and their hopes were fulfilled when Donny came into the world. His sisters embraced their new baby brother with warmth and affection, and he would forever be cherished as the only “baby boy” in the family. Growing up on the farm, Donny immersed himself in the world of agriculture and quickly developed a knack for repairing nearly anything that came his way. His childhood was filled with lessons of hard work and resourcefulness, traits that would serve him well throughout his life and adulthood. Donny was passionate about FFA in his school years.

He worked as a welder, a career that spanned throughout the entirety of his life. His sense of reasoning and analyzing problems with equipment were a valued asset in his job. Donny’s coworkers and friends affectionately nicknamed him “Tiny”.

Donny was known for his easy-going personality and his ability to always be a caring, listening ear. His medical setbacks allowed these traits to be well utilized as he could always be counted on to share many stories with anyone who was able to listen. He loved fishing and hunting, especially Canadian geese. Donny was a skeet shooter and had a passion for guns.

Survivors include his sister, Charleen Schaeffer; two wonderful friends, Debbie and Kevin Martin; and step niece, Karen (Darren) Lynch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Jr. and Helen; and sister, Monica Schaeffer.