Dr. Jarrold R. Schaefer, 79, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017, at the Medical Center of the Rockies, following a 7 month illness. He was born January 12, 1938, in Fort Morgan to Paul and Mildred (Sweet) Schaefer.

Dr. Schaefer grew up and attended school in Fort Morgan. He was very active in the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1954. He graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1956.   Jarry continued the family tradition of attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, graduating with a Bachelors' of Science degree in Biology in 1960. He furthered his education at Northwestern University, where he received his Doctorate of Dentistry Degree (D.D.S.).  While obtaining his degree at Northwestern, he was commissioned a Naval Officer and was stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, and in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1966.

In 1967, Jarry returned to Fort Morgan, where he began his dental practice. He practiced in the Northeastern Colorado area for more than 40 years, serving more than three generations of patients, retiring in 2007.

Jarry and Sue Bartlett were introduced by mutual friends from Fort Morgan and were married on August 14, 1971, in Denver. Jarry and Sue have been married for 45 years, residing in Fort Morgan

Dr. Schaefer was very involved in the Fort Morgan community. He served on the Fort Morgan School Board from 1977–1985, and presided as president from 1984–1985. Jarry was a member of the Fort Morgan Lions Club for over 45 years, having been the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award, the Lions Club's highest honor. He was a member of the Fort Morgan Masonic Lodge #67 AF & AM, Morgan County Shrine Club, and was a member of the Platte Valley Festival Band for 25 years. Jarry was an active member of the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church, served on numerous committees, participated with the drama program, and sang in the chancel choir. Dr. Schaefer was a member and past president of the Morgan Community College Foundation, and chaired the Center for Arts and Community Enrichment (CACE).

Survivors include: his wife, Sue of Fort Morgan; Brad (Tara) of Chandler, AZ; Beth (Blake) Wallace of Norfolk, VA; Barry (Kelli) of Greeley, CO; grandchildren Collin (Morgan), Courtney, Kelsey, Camille, Chase, Jenna, Katelyn, and great-granddaughter Quinn. He was preceded in death by an infant brother Jimmy, his sister Jacque Irby, his parents Paul and Mildred Schaefer, and stepfather Dr. Robert Richards.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 30, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church. The service will conclude at the Church. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday. Inurnment will be at a later date at Serenity Falls Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Dr. Jarrold Schaefer Memorial Fund c/o the Heer Mortuary.