Raymond David Schropfer

Raymond David Schropfer was born on January 25, 1932 in Campbell, NE to David Herman Schropfer and Elizabeth Theresa Haller Schropfer.  He passed away at the Haxtun Extended Care Unit on October 8, 2017 at the age of 85. 

The family moved to Holyoke, CO in 1941. Raymond attended Hilltop Grade School and then went to Holyoke High School through his junior year.  Raymond joined the Air Force in 1951, at the age of 19 and served until 1955.    

Raymond returned to Holyoke, Co in 1956 and began dating Mary Isabelle Anderson.  They were married August 1, 1957 at Saint Patricks Catholic Church in Holyoke.  To this union three children were born; Mary Ann, Betty and Mike.

Raymond worked for International in Holyoke until it closed.  The family moved to Haxtun in April of 1967 where Ray worked for Miller Implement.  In 1976 Raymond opened his own business – Ray’s Repair.  He was known throughout the area for his mechanical abilities.

Although Ray didn’t graduate from high school, he always told his children how important a high school diploma was.  So, in 1980, after taking classes in Holyoke, he received his GED from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO.

In 1992, due to failing health Ray retired, but he continued to do the things he loved.  He did woodworking and made two beautiful cradles to welcome great grandchildren into the family, along with some unique pieces of furniture and several gun stocks. 

Raymond enjoyed hunting.  He and son Mike shared annual elk hunting trips, some of which included several of the grandkids. 

A particular favorite hobby was restoring antique tractors. He participated in the antique tractor pulls at the Haxtun Corn Festival.

Raymond enjoyed traveling.  One of his most memorable trips happened in 2011 when Ray, Mary and the three kids traveled to Butte, MT for granddaughter Stacey’s graduation from nursing school. 

September 2014 gave Ray the opportunity to travel to Washington DC to visit the war monuments with the Northern CO Honor Flight. 

He enjoyed volunteering at the Ag shop at Haxtun High School, sharing his knowledge of tractor repair with the students there. He was proud to be presented honorary memberships from the FFA in 1992 and 2013.

Ray’s health continued to worsen and in September of 2013 he came to the Extended Care Unit in Haxtun.  His humor, jokes and kindness were enjoyed by the nursing staff and residents there.

Raymond was a member of the Haxtun Volunteer Fire Department.   He was a lifetime member of the VFW in Holyoke, CO and the American Legion in Haxtun and also served on the board of the Haxtun Community Federal Credit Union and the Housing Authority.

He was preceded in death by his parents David and Elizabeth Schropfer, his brother Jerome Schropfer, Sister Theresa Clouse, brother in law Rex Clouse, a niece and a nephew.

Raymond is survived by Mary Isabelle, his wife of 60 years. Daughter Mary Edwards and husband Duane of Yuma, CO; daughter Betty Schropfer of Akron, CO, son Mike Schropfer of Haxtun.  Grandchildren Donnie Edwards and wife Sara,  of Yuma, CO; William Edwards and wife Jessica of Silverthorne, CO; Stacey Schiel and husband Kris of Glendo, WY; Adam Odell of Akron, CO;  Jeff Odell and wife Jodi of Alva, OK; Bonnie Stults and husband Zach, of Vernon, CO; Mollie Dreitz and husband Ryan of Brush, CO. Great Grandchildren:  Kerstyn Edwards, Liam and  Kaeden Booth, Remington and Gunner Schiel, Ruger Odell, Bayle and Kayle Stults, Julie and Jase Odell.  Several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Ray will be truly missed. He will be in our hearts and minds each time we utilize one of the many skills, lessons and memories that he gave us.

The Rosary was held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Christ the King Catholic Church at 6:00 p.m.   The Funeral Service was held on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Holyoke, Colorado with Father Jerry Rohr officiating.  Interment will follow at the Haxtun Cemetery in Haxtun, Colorado.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.