Obituary: Albert Schafer

Albert Schafer, age 89, of New Rockford, passed away June 1, 2019, at CHI, St. Alexius, Carrington. The funeral service was held June 5, 2019 in St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford. Burial was at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford. Father Reese Weber officiated with special music provided by Heather Klocke. Casket bearers were Bruce Schafer, Tommy Schafer, Kenny Schafer, Jameson Schafer, Marshall Frederick and Jose` Reyes. Honorary bearers were all of Albert's family and friends.

Albert Schafer was born Nov. 12, 1929, on a farm in rural Benson County. He was the son of Matt and Mary (Shiele) Schafer. Albert grew up and attended school at Lone Tree rural school until the fifth grade when he transferred to St. James Academy until the eighth grade. Upon completing the eighth grade he went to work with his uncle on the family farm until 1948.

On Nov. 13, 1948, Albert enlisted in the United States Army. Albert was united in marriage to Donna Clelland on March 1, 1954, at St. John's Catholic Church in New Rockford.

Albert and his family lived in Butte, Mont., while he worked as an underground welder, heavy equipment operator and trucking at the Berkeley mine. The family relocated back to New Rockford where he continued working construction, later he was employed at a school in Oconto Falls, Wis., as a custodian until his retirement. Upon his retirement he returned to New Rockford in 2011, to be closer to his family.

Albert is survived by his 12 children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and many nieces and nephews throughout the United States.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, one sister, one daughter, one infant son and one infant granddaughter.

Arrangements made by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.