A Celebration of Life Service for Larry D. Schaffer, age 88, of O'Neill, will be at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, August 24, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in O'Neill, with Masonic Rites by the AF & AM Garfield Lodge #95 of O'Neill. Revs. Gary Merritt & Don Spicer will officiate.  Private family burial will be at a later date.  Larry passed away Sunday, August 20, 2017, at the O'Neill Care and Rehabilitation Center.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shriner Hospital, First United Methodist Church of O'Neill, or contributions towards a family memorial statue in Schaffer's name donated to the town of O'Neill.

Larry was born on October 12, 1928 on the Schaffer family ranch, south of Emmet, NE.  He attended country school south of Emmet, and graduated from O'Neill High School in 1945.  He attended the University of Nebraska where he was a member of Sigma Nu.  He became a licensed pilot at the age of 16, and spent many hours checking the windmills in the fields around Holt County.

Larry married Lois Ann Cole on October 23, 1948, at the First United Methodist Church in O'Neill.  To this union, two children were born:  Dewey and Elizabeth.  Larry was a lifelong rancher south of Emmet.  He loved to fish and hunt, and spend time searching for indian artifacts in the Sandhills.

Larry was highly active on various boards and committees through the years.

He was the Chairman of Area I Nebraska Stock Growers, served on various sub committees of The National Cattleman Association, mostly dealing with animal diseases. He was also a member of the United States Animal Health Association for many years, a member of Brucellosis Committee of USAHA, a member of Agriculture Secretary Butz's Horse Advisory Committee, and a member of Nebraska Brand Committee for 8 years.  He also appeared before 2 senate committee hearings at the request of Senator Carl Curtis.  He was the Holt County Republican Chairman for many years, and a member of the State Central Committee.

He was on the Board of Directors of National Alfalfa when it was on the NY Stock Exchange, a member of the Quarter Horse Association from 1953 to 1990, and he owned the 1979 world champion working cowhorse named Triple Goldrush. He served for years on the Boy Scout Council and was a member of the National Livestock and Meat Board.  He also served on the USDA board.

He was a member of the Garfield Lodge #95 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, as well as a member of Symphony Chapter #316 of the order of Eastern Star, and a Noble of Tangier Temple of the Shriners, and a member of the Sandhills Shrine Club.

Larry is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lois, son, Dewey Schaffer and wife Tricia of North Platte, NE, and their children; Emily Smith and husband Guy of Blair, OK, Cole Schaffer and wife Sarah of North Platte, NE, Jacob Schaffer of North Platte, NE, Hayley Kobza and husband Clay of Maywood, NE, and their families, daughter Elizabeth Chartier and husband Dennis of Springfield, NE, and their daughter Annie Chartier-Grisi and husband Frank of Tokyo, Japan, and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Patty Cook, Shirley Walker and Elizabeth (Ibs) Young.