Rod was born August 26, 1937 at his family farm home in Contance, Nebraska, to parents Irma Marie (Willenbring) and Joseph Wendell Schieffer. He was the sixth of eleven children – all of whom were raised on the farm near Crofton, Nebraska. Growing up on the farm from a young age meant early mornings milking cows, tending to chickens and hogs, and planting and sowing crops. Rod attended a one-room schoolhouse with his siblings and commuted to school on a horse-pulled sled in the winter. With the family’s German heritage, Rod learned to speak enough German to be highly entertaining later in life.
As a child, Rod loved playing baseball and was an outstanding pitcher. During high school summers while working in Omaha, Rod even played summer baseball with Bob Gibson, which would be a life highlight. He joined the U.S. Army to serve our country and after serving went to Ft. Wayne State University before transferring to Kansas State University to complete his undergraduate studies. Rod then completed his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at K-State. His years in Manhattan were formative and he developed a deep love for KSU and Wildcat sports. He attended many KSU basketball and football games throughout his life.
Following graduation from KSU veterinarian school, Rod began his practice in Kansas City. We worked as an associate for other doctors before starting his own practice in downtown Olathe in the early 1970s, when he founded Southside Animal Hospital. He quickly became an Olathe business mainstay and moved his practice to a larger location. Rod was also active in local business and community organizations like the Olathe Chamber of Commerce and the Optimist Club.
It was in the early 1970s that Rod met Patricia (Seymour) Hooper, a widower with two young sons, Mark and Todd. They married and Rod adopted the boys. Rod enjoyed spending time with his family and was active with coaching baseball and attending all the school and sports events that filled the calendar.
A huge part of Rod’s life was his Catholic faith. He was in the choir as a child and loved singing church hymns – no doubt inspired from early days by his mother who played piano at church. He was a long-time St. Paul’s Parish member and enjoyed volunteering as an usher at Masses for decades. In later years, he was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and counted Knights members amongst his closest friends.
Rod, or Doc Schieffer, as he was affectionately known by many Olathe residents, was a well-respected and well-liked person. Doc enjoyed sports cars and classic rock. He was known for his work ethic, compassion, and love for all animals and people and, not least of all, his hearty laugh and good humor.
Rod is survived by siblings Jan Walz (Duke), Mardel Geritz, Laurie Johnson, Larry Schieffer (Carol), Chuck Schieffer (Deanna), and Carlyn Campbell (Pat). He is also survived by former spouse Patricia Schieffer and adopted sons Mark Schieffer (Chanrith) and Todd Schieffer (Kristina). There are many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who also survive Rod.
Rod is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Irma Schieffer, his sisters Anita Hoebelheinrich and Jo Clare Peterman, and his brothers Richard Schieffer and Lonnie Schieffer.
Services will be Friday, June 4 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Olathe. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus at 10:40 a.m. and then a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. St. Paul will host a luncheon to celebrate Rod’s life following the Mass while the family proceeds to burial at historic Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Olathe.
Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Paul Catholic Church. https://spcatholic.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/MemorialTribute
