December 24, 1979 - September 15, 2026
Karl “KJ” Schauer, 46, of Mitchell died September 15, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services were held September 26 at Reunion Church in Mitchell. Burial was at Regent Cemetery in Regent, ND. Arrangements were by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Karl Jacob Schauer was born Christmas Eve, December 24, 1979 to Carl and Velma Schauer at their Dupree farmstead.
KJ grew up on the family farm, where there was always something to do. He 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; Vacation Bible School, and the after-school Good News Club along with summer bible camps.
KJ attended and graduated from school in Dupree. 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. It was there that he helped 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 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.
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; nieces Autumn and Sarah; uncles Sam and Russell; and aunts Linda, Rita, and Shirley.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Schauer; infant sister, Kara Angel; uncles, Ed, Otto, Jake, David, Ron, and Colin; and aunts, Emma, Elizabeth, and Karoline.
Memorials may be sent to Velma at 501 E. Spruce St Apt. 116, Mitchell, SD 57301, and she will distribute the gifts charitably to children and adults with disabilities.