Barry Schafhauser

Barry Schafhauser, age 85, of Menomonie died Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie.

Funeral service will be Saturday, January 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley with visitation from 9-11 a.m. at church prior to the service.

Burial will be in St Michael’s Cemetery, Spring Valley.  Memorials are preferred to St Michael’s Cemetery.

Barry was born July 31, 1933 to Ignatius W. and T. Eleanor (Baierl) Schafhauser in St Croix County, Cady Township.  Barry spent his childhood in the town of Wilson.  He attended Wilson School, grades 1-7.  He spent 8th grade with his maternal grandmother in Blenker, WI where he attended St. Kilian’s.  After 8th grade graduation, Barry returned to Wilson and attended Spring Valley High School graduating in 1951.

After graduation Barry worked at the Wilson Garage.  In 1953, Barry joined the U.S. Army.  He was honorably discharged in 1955.  At this time, Barry moved back to Wilson and began working for the railroad in Hudson, WI.  With layoffs imminent and railroad shops closing, Barry moved to St Paul in 1956 and began working for Montgomery Wards in their garage.  In 1957, he started working for NSP (now Xcel Energy).  At this time, he took many classes at Dunwoody Institute.

On August 17, 1957 he married Linda Timm at St Matthew’s Lutheran Church.  He served as head usher and Missions Funds treasurer for several years at St Matthew’s.  The Schafhausers lived in South Minneapolis after their marriage, moving to New Brighton, MN in 1965.  In 1989 Barry and Linda moved from the Twin Cities to Menomonie to enjoy country living once more.

Barry held many positions during his 35 years at Xcel Energy.  He retired Superintendent of Transportation in March 1992.  After his retirement Barry became a farmer, helping Linda’s brother on the family farm.  He also had more time to enjoy his Green Bay Packers.

Barry and Linda enjoyed traveling, which included 2 trips to Europe, several trips to the Caribbean, and their dream trip to Australia and New Zealand in 1996.  They also took many cross country car trips until Barry’s health began to fail.  Barry liked the country living in Menomonie and remained there until the time of his death.

Barry’s gentle spirit, kind and calm demeanor will be remembered.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delores Grunow; and niece, Mary Hull.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; nephews; Jerry (Sue) Grunow, Randy (Cathy) Grunow; nieces; Pat (Dale) Simonson, Theresa Grunow; brother in law, Alan Timm. 

Funeral service is January 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley with visitation from 9-11 a.m. at church prior to the service.  Burial will be in St Michael’s Cemetery, Spring Valley.

Memorials are preferred to St Michael’s Cemetery.

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