SANTA ANA, CA–Kenny “Vape” Willis Schaefer, age 67 of Santa Ana, California (formerly New Ulm) died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in California.

Celebration of Life will be held 3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club in New Ulm. Friends and family are welcome to come celebrate. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Kenny is survived by his wife, Heidi Schaefer of Santa Ana, California; his sisters, Lois (Larry) Siebel of New Ulm, Donna (Gary) Gieseke of New Ulm, Ruth (Philip) Burr of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Phyllis (Gary) Domeier of Courtland; his sisters-in-law, Rosie Schaefer of Madelia, Jeanne Schaefer of New Ulm; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and his cats Cagan and Abbe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Agnes Schaefer; and brothers, Thomas “Sarge” Schaefer and recently Steven “Jet” Schaefer. Also preceded in death by father and mother-in-law, Walt and Joyce Shellenbarger; sister-in-law, Gretchen Shellenbarger.

Kenny “Vape” Willis Schaefer was born August 20, 1956, in New Ulm to Leonard and Agnes (Landsteiner) Schaefer. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1974. After high school, Vape began his career with Schaefer Well Company until 1990 when he moved to California. Once there, he began working for General Pump Company. On May 22, 2000, Vape was united in marriage to Heidi Shellenbarger in California. Vape retired from working in 2021. Vape was a lifetime member of Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club. Racing was Vape’s passion in life, traveling all around Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa. He continued racing in California as well. For the past nine years, Vape held the Land Speed Racing Fastest Motorcycle Award for his class. Southern California Timing Association is permanently naming the Land Speed Record Trophy after Vape. His top speed came in at 196.343 miles per hour.

Outside of racing, Vape enjoyed his numerous trips back to Minnesota to see his friends and family. He will be dearly missed by those that knew him. Blessed be his memory.

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