Eugene Robert Schafer, a 23-year resident of Morongo Valley, died Oct. 23, 2011, at the hospital. He was 80 years old. The son of Ernest Schafer and Margaret Buetke-Schafer, he was born Jan. 10, 1931, in Steinauer, Neb. Mr. Schafer was a farmer in Nebraska for 35 years, and owned a pool service business in California for 20 years. He had retired 10 months before his death. His parents preceded him in death. Mr. Schafer is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlene Schafer of Morongo Valley; son Charles Schafer of Morongo Valley; daughter and son-in-law Shari and Steve Siepelmeir of Syracuse, Neb.; grandson Blaine Siepelmeir of Lincoln, Neb.; granddaughter Brittany Siepelmeir of Syracuse, Neb.; and sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and Jim Jimenez of Las Vegas, Nev. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 31 at Faith Lutheran Church in Joshua Tree, the Rev. Ron Geikow officiating.