Gary Ray Schaefer, 68, of Byron, MN passed away at home on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born at the Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama on December 30, 1952, to Ray and Eloise Schaefer.  He graduated from Bonesteel High School in South Dakota in 1971 and went on to attend the University of South Dakota at Springfield.  Gary moved to Minnesota and fell in love with his wife, Cheryl. They were married on April 7, 1979, and had two daughters, Anya and Angie.  He had five grandchildren who will all miss him dearly.

Gary had worked at IBM in Rochester for 22 years and after retiring he managed the Snap Fitness in Byron for several years.  Gary enjoyed traveling to Florida, bowling, boating, and spending time with his friends and family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Cheryl Schaefer of Byron; his daughters, Anya (Robert) Zella of Naples, FL and Angela (Casey) Green of Byron; his five grandchildren; a sister, Susan Gray of Rochester and his mother Eloise Schaefer of Naples, FL.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Schaefer and a baby sister.

The Schaefer family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of the Mayo Clinic Oncology Department, and the nurses of Seasons Hospice.

A memorial service for Gary will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Christ Lutheran Church in Byron with Pastor Steve Rheingans officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4:00PM – 7:00PM, Monday, September 20, 2021, at the Byron Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  Burial will be at the Byron Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Mayo Clinic for cancer research, Seasons Hospice or Christ Lutheran Church.