ROCK FALLS – Martin A. Schaefer, 86, of Rock Falls, died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Morrison. He was a wire drawer at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. for 36-and-a-half years until retirement in 1983.

Mr. Schaefer was born Aug. 17, 1924, in Harmon, the son of Frederick and Hulda (Schulte) Schaefer.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a med tech during the China-India-Burma campaign. He received his training at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in 1944. He also served as a military policeman.

Martin was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rock Falls and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, auctions, traveling, bird-watching, photography and visiting with people.

Martin is survived by two sons, Kim (Mary) Schaefer of Morrison and Marty (Kelly) Schaefer of Rock Falls; one daughter-in-law, Pam Schaefer; two sisters, Elsie Norden of Walnut and Wilma Hann of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandchildren, Dustin (Chico) Schaefer of California, Trent (Lori) Schaefer of Rock Falls, Janda (Scott) Andreson of Salt Lake City, Jennie (Scott) Pruis of Morrison, Adam (LeAnn) Schaefer of Morrison, Domini (Jason) Buikema of Morrison, Ann (Jon) Brackemeyer of Morrison, and Maxwell and Tess Schaefer of Rock Falls; and great-grandchildren, Dustin Jr., Brevin, Jaysie, Camden, Kaylee, Nathan, Patrick, Campbell, Harper, Samantha, and Sydney.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gary; five brothers; and one sister.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Henrietta Milner, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon. Visitation is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Honor Flight Network.