Schafers named parade grand marshals

Odessa – After decades of community service, Jerry and Ellen Schafer were named grand marshals of the Deutschesfest Parade, to be held Saturday, Sept. 16.

Jerry grew up in Odessa, graduating high school in 1956. Ellen graduated from Marlin High School in 1962.

In 1965, they married and began their lives as farmers, growing wheat, beans, potatoes and hay.

After retiring from the day-to-day operations of the farm, they opened Das Kraut Haus, a local restaurant that served German food. After five years, they closed the restaurant and transitioned into the business of food production.

Their son Ma...