Happy Birthday, Schaefer turning 90

David Schaefer

On Saturday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m., lifetime Winlock resident Mr. David Schaefer, will celebrate his 90th birthday at his home at 157 Minkler Rd. in Winlock.

Schaefer was born in Chehalis on July 12, 1928. He has resided in the Winlock family home ever since. Mr. Schaefer's family has owned a 100-acre farm where he learned the value of family, faith and hard work. "I was brought up to work and I have always worked hard," stated Schaefer. His secret to having a long life is "keep working and keep active." Schaefer still bowls, plays pinochle, and enjoys puzzles. "He still hunts," stated his son, John. It is obvious that Schaefer does not let the grass grow under his feet.

Schaefer graduated from Winlock High School and was employed by Weyerhaeuser as a radio communication worker on the railroad. After two years with Weyerhaeuser, Schaefer was drafted into the Army with a two-year assignment in Austria. "They had us there because Russia was not being kind. They called us the suicide troops because our job was to stop the Russians from the channel. We patrolled one side of the Danube and the Russians were on the other side," stated Schaefer.

After his time in the Army, Schaefer returned home to work for Lewis County PUD. He started as a meter reader and worked his way up to a line foreman before retirement. He worked for the Lewis County PUD for 30 years. His son, John, followed in his father's footsteps, starting as a meter reader and working his way up to line foreman before his retirement.

Schaefer has always been active in the community. He has been in many organizations around the area. He has been a big supporter of St. Urban Grange, having held offices in local, county and state. Unfortunately, St. Urban Grange is closing down due to low participation but many of us have had our class reunions, wedding receptions and many other events there.

Schaefer and his wife Rosalie raised their nine children on the farm. "I raised my kids in this house. I was raised here and learned to work. They were raised here as well. They learned to work hard but they also learned responsibility," stated Schaefer. All nine children, Ron, Karen, John, Karl, Jerry, Denise, Don, Mike and Paul, all attended and were graduated from Winlock High School.

After Rosalie passed, in 1996 Schaefer married his present wife Chris and they continue to live and work the farm. Please join family and friends in celebrating his 90th birthday.