Rueben Schaeffer, 87, Eureka, SD, died Friday October 31, 2025. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the Eureka Reformed Church led by Pastor Jimmy John Hall. Interment, with military graveside rites by the Fred Weller American Legion Post No. 186, Eureka, SD, follows at the Eureka Cemetery. Pianist will be Bonnie Mehlhaff; Congregational Hymns will be “Abide with Me” and “When Peace Like a River”; Dennis and Margie Walker will sing “What A Day that Will Be”; and usher will be Earl Mehlhaff.
Visitation commences at 5:00 PM on Tuesday at Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka, with a prayer service scheduled for 6:00 P.M.
Rueben Christ Schaeffer was born to Christ and Maida (Vilhauer) Schaeffer on October 4, 1938, in Eureka. He was the oldest of five children where he grew up on his parent’s farm southeast of Herried, SD. After receiving his education, he worked on the family farm and did construction work.
He served in the US Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in October 1963. He did basic training at Fort Carson, CO and spent 21 months at Camp Walters, Mineral Wells, TX. He obtained masonry skills in concrete and cement finishing. He returned to the area and embarked on a career in masonry and building.
He married Kathleen Schick on October 21, 1967, at the Hoffnungstal Lutheran Church near Eureka. They made their home in Eureka and were blessed with four children. He skillfully crafted numerous public and private stonework structures throughout the community and surrounding area for over 50 years. He had a well-known strong work ethic. He was very resourceful and could repair, build, or improve almost anything placed in front of him. Rueben belonged to various organizations over the years and served on the Eureka School Board. He was a devoted member of the Reformed Church where he was baptized, confirmed, and held offices of Sunday school teacher, trustee, deacon, treasurer, and elder. He earned his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and was a lifelong learner. Rueben found joy in each day and was often heard whistling while he worked. He was fond of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, gardening and inviting purple martins to the neighborhood. Socializing with his coffee group, road trips, and bus adventures brought him happiness. He treasured the time spent with his family and cherished his grandchildren.
Grateful for sharing Rueben’s life were Kathy, his wife of 58 years; three daughters—Michelle (Mark) Moen of Sisseton, SD, Laura Schaeffer of Pierre, SD, and Rachel (Eddie) Aamold of Sioux Falls, SD; three brothers—Eddy (Shirley) Schaeffer and Norman Schaeffer of Eureka and Raymond Schaeffer of Herreid; one sister—Florence Merkel of Bismarck, ND; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Christ and Maida; and his beloved daughter, Rhonda.
Rueben’s funeral will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.
Honorary bearers will be Rueben’s grandchildren– Matthew Moen, Mitchell Moen, Brandon Aamold and Lauren Aamold.
Casketbearers will be Shannon Schaeffer of Rapid City, SD; Ryan Schaeffer of Aberdeen, SD; Steve Vilhauer of Herreid; Keith Mehlhaff of Eureka; and his sons-in-law, Mark and Eddie.
Services are in care of Lien-Straub-Carlsen Chapel, Eureka.
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