Gerald William Schaefer, age 59, of Owatonna, died Saturday, March 10, 2007, at his home after his battle with cancer.

He was born March 24, 1947, in Adams, the son of William and Margaret (Tillman) Schaefer. He graduated from Adams High School. From 1968-1969 he served his country in the United States Army. After his discharge, he worked for Owatonna Canning Company, retiring after 35 years. On May 15, 1982, he married Susan Husemoller at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. He was a collector of railroad pictures, clocks, and stamps, among other things. He loved old time music and his two cats, Sid and Johnny. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served as an usher for years. He was also a member of the American Legion and of the V.F.W.

Gerald is survived by wife Sue of Owatonna, brothers Patrick and Gloria Fitzgerald of Albert Lea, Allan and Betty Schaefer of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Thomas and Judy Schaefer of Owatonna; brothers-in-law Dean Husemoller and Jim Husemoller, and sister-in-law JoAnn Ferguson, mother-in-law Betty Husemoller; nieces and nephews Michele, Mike, Bill, Pat, Sarah, Tracey, Mark, Tim, MacKenzie, and Nathan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 16, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. The Rev. Peter Klein and the Rev. Marty Schaefer will officiate. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Adams.

Honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit.