Matthew L Schaeffer, 40, of Stapleton passed away August 27, 2020 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center as a result of a tragic farm accident.

Matt was born March 14, 1980 in North Platte, Nebraska to Steve and Sally Schaeffer. He grew up on the family's farm and ranch operation and developed a deep love for horses, cows, and dogs. Matt worked hard throughout his life as a rancher and a truck driver building his successful company from one truck to several all while building a cow herd as well.
Matt was loved by many and provided a quiet friendship filled with love, support, and understanding. He had the biggest heart and thoroughly enjoyed giving to anyone he could help. At one point in Matt's trucking career he even agreed to haul a semi load of alpacas believing someone was in need before realizing he was being pranked by a close friend. Matt was not a stranger to life's many struggles and was proud of his 12 years of sobriety that he worked at every day. Through Matt's encouragement, many other people are now leading a life of sobriety.

Matt met Melissa Anderson in the winter of 2011 and to this relationship Matt's dreams of having his own family were fulfilled. Their daughter Rikie was born in 2013 and son Tye was born in 2014. Matt was the very best dad to the kids as they spent many hours in the tractors or semis with him. He also never missed a gymnastics or dance recital. On the rare occasion Matt would take time for himself he enjoyed ranch rodeos and taking his pony herd to the wild pony races.

Matt is survived by: his parents Steve and Sally Schaeffer, longtime fiancé Melissa Anderson and their two children, Rikie and Tye Schaeffer, brothers: George (Jill) Schaeffer, Greg (Stefani) Schaeffer, Todd (Addie) Schaeffer, nieces Ansley and Macie Schaeffer and was anxiously awaiting future nephew Greyson John along with many other close friends and family.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Florence and George Schaeffer and Mildred and Preston Halley, infant brother David Schaeffer, special Uncle John Halley, and future brother-in-law Rick Anderson.

Funeral Services at 1:00 P.M. on Monday September 7, 2020 and will be on Matt's ranch southwest of Stapleton junction of Ave 80 and county Rd 30 with Reverend Vic Rasmussen officiating. Burial will follow in the McCain Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday September 6 from 3:00-7:00 pm at the Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte. Memorials are suggested to the family to benefit Matt's children. Please bring lawn chairs and semis are welcome. A fellowship will follow the burial at the fairgrounds. Services will be held following all current health directives regarding Covid-19. The service will be streamed via Carpenter Memorial Chapel's Facebook page for those that cannot attend. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Sharing of memories and online condolences may be left at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Directions to the Service: From North Platte: Go North on HWY 83 to mile marker 101. Half mile passed mm 101 turn left on Hodges Rd. Go to the end of Hodges Rd. there will be a power transfer station make a quick right and right back to the left to continue heading north on Ave. 80. Take a left and will be right there.(cnty Rd 30)
From Arnold/HWY 92: Take a left at HWY 83/92 junction. Take the first road on the right(County Rd 20), follow to the end of the road. Turn right onto Ave 80. Take the next road to the left (County Rd 30)

From Stapleton: Head west out of town on HWY 92. Take a left on Ave. 80. Continue to county Rd 30.