Laurence (Jim) Nicholas Schaefer

Laurence (Jim) Nicholas Schaefer, 84, passed away on Feb. 10, 2007, at Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata. Mr. Schaefer was born on April 14, 1922, to Anton and Cecilia Schaefer in Nenzel, Neb. He married Laura Schaefer on Oct. 29, 1944, in Battle Creek, Mich. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service as an equipment operator. He retired after 30 years of service. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and served until 1946. His ending rank was CPL. He received the Purple Heart, Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, one service strip, good conduct. He enjoyed horses and saddles. He also loved to restore high back saddles.

Mr. Schaefer is survived by his wife Laura Schaefer, daughter Babe Wind Master (AKA Marie Schaefer of Kittitas, Wash.), sons James Nicolas Schaefer of Algona, Wash. and Michael Leo Schaefer (AKA Lone-Black-Eagle of Coulee City, Wash.) Sisters Loretta Killan of Watsonville, Calif., Matilda Decker of Dover, Del. Grandchildren James Laurence Schaefer and Nicky Rae Heshmaty, two great-grandchildren, Raelynn and Bethany Heshmaty, all of Algona, Wash.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Paul Schaefer, Cleutus Schaefer, Alfon Schaefer, Jake Schaefer, Leo Scheafer, sister Caroline Hatch, sons Gary Anthony Schaefer, Laurence Dennis Schaefer, twin boys.

He worked on cattle ranches in Cherry County, Neb. Services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Ephrata. A rosary will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2007, at 7 p.m., also at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the directions of Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata.