Karl "KJ" Schauer

Dates

Obituary

Karl “KJ” Schauer, 46, of Mitchell, SD, died Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 26, at Reunion Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Regent Cemetery in Regent, ND. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A livestream of KJ’s funeral service can be viewed at: https://mitchellreunionchurch.sermon.net/main/main/21568954

Karl Jacob “KJ” Schauer was born Christmas Eve on December 24, 1979, at the Dupree Farmstead. The midwife Ellen In-the-woods turned to Papa Carl and said, “Carl, you have a son. Come and cut the cord, and then I’ll hand him to you, and you can dedicate him to the Lord God,” welcoming KJ into the loving arms of his parents and into a house that would soon include four sisters.

KJ grew up on the family farm, where there was always something to do. KJ spent hours in his father Carl’s shop, sorting nuts and bolts and organizing, and rode along on the Fordson tractor. There were games of Chinese Checkers and puzzles, walks with his sisters and the family dogs, paddle boating, and yes — even KJ’s favorite chore of cleaning and butchering chickens. Dad, Mom, and KJ shared a special closeness attending Sunday School and Church, and with Mom, Vacation Bible School and the after-school club Good News Club, along with summer bible camps.

Laughter warms the heart and carries us to the person who charms the room through his laugh — a laugh so powerful that it became contagious, harmonizing with everyone around him. That was the laugh of Karl Jacob “KJ” Schauer. KJ brought joy through that laughter, and he brought a different kind of joy when he’d sneak up on you or hide around a corner, jump out with a loud “Boo!”, and follow it with a delighted “Huh, I got you,” before doing a goofy little dance to make his escape.

KJ attended and graduated from school in Dupree, South Dakota. With the diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome, KJ spent three months in a crisis unit in Pittsburgh, PA. Before moving to Life Quest in Mitchell, SD. It was there, within Life Quest, that KJ went on to help create and take part in the KJ Program, built specifically for individuals living with Prader-Willi syndrome. Fittingly, KJ became one of its teachers: he helped staff understand Prader-Willi, welcomed and mentored others as they joined the program, and became a true and loving friend to many along the way.

KJ loved to tell stories — about growing up on the farm, his sisters, his school days, his family. Some of them stretched out pretty long, but nobody minded. He always made sure you knew the important part at the end: Father may have thought he was the boss, but Mother was really the one with the final say. He took great pride in where he came from and loved sharing those memories with anyone who would listen.

He was incredibly smart, and he loved sharing his knowledge and opinions on everything from farming and weather to cooking and politics — and he was never afraid to tell you if you were wrong. He was everyone’s go-to guy whenever something needed to be built or put together. Those who knew him well also knew his gift for puzzles was nothing short of remarkable — he could piece together a massive 1,000-piece puzzle in just two days, watching complex pictures snap into place with ease while the rest of us were still trying to find the edges.

KJ was a true animal lover, and he spent many happy hours at Ed’s Pet World talking with “Boji.” He loved joking around and teasing people about their crushes — he had a few of his own, though he was reluctant to admit it. He loved watching funny videos, westerns, and scary movies with the people close to him, and every year before Halloween, he took great delight in pointing out the “haunted houses” around town — even when they happened to be the homes of the very people he was teasing. And of course, no one who knew KJ could forget his love of a good hot drink, or the way the color pink will now always bring him to mind and put a smile on our faces.

For years, KJ was cared for and loved by the staff who became family to him. One of them remembered him this way: working with KJ was never just a job — it was a rewarding challenge, a journey, and a collection of memories that will live on forever. From Pennsylvania to South Dakota, every mile of that journey was made richer by knowing him. He taught the people around him lessons in true dignity, inner strength, and a level of patience they never knew they possessed until he helped them find it. He was strong-willed and stubborn at times, and those who loved him met him in that — never giving up on him, and finding their bond only grew stronger for it. Through every challenge, he showed a quiet, unwavering resilience that was nothing short of extraordinary — easily one of the strongest people anyone who knew him has ever known.

KJ will be remembered in so many special ways — his laugh, his sense of humor, his stories, his stubbornness, his gifts, and all the little things that made him uniquely KJ. He is walking with Jesus now in his heavenly home, and there’s comfort in imagining Jesus, KJ, and his dad Carl together — no doubt all three in matching pink sandals. KJ’s favorite color.

KJ is survived by his mother, Velma Schauer; his four sisters, Karla (Randy), Kari (John), Kayleen (Rick), and Kandice (Rodney); four nephews, Johnny, Noah, Aaron, and Andrew; and two nieces, Autumn and Sarah; uncles, Sam and Russell; aunts, Rita, Shirley, Sharon, Linda Koba, Linda Schauer, and Arlene.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Schauer; infant sister, Kara Angel; uncles, Ed, Otto, Jake, David, Ron, and Colin; aunts, Emma, Elizabeth, and Karoline.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire LifeQuest family and all who made each day bright for KJ — for creating special moments, for holding him near in your hearts, and for the countless little things that made him feel noticed, special, and loved. You were truly difference makers in his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Velma, and she will distribute the gifts charitably to children and adults with disabilities. Velma Schauer, 501 E. Spruce St Apt. 116, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301.

Rest in peace, KJ. You will always be loved.

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