Delbert Schafer
Delbert “Del” Schafer, 82, of Watford City, formerly of Bismarck and Mott, N.D., passed away peacefully on July 8, 2012, a resident of St. Gabriel’s Nursing Home in Bismarck, N.D.
A memorial service was held July 16, 2012, at the Fulkerson Funeral Home Chapel in Watford City and burial of his cremains will follow, with military honors, at the Schafer Cemetery.
Delbert Dale Schafer was born April 14, 1930 in Java, S.D. He was the only child born to Rose and Gerhart “Butch” Schafer.
Del attended schools in Java and Selby, S.D., Fort Yates, Hazelton and Mott, in N.D. He graduated in 1948 from Mott High School and attended N.D. State School of Science in Wahpeton, where he studied refrigeration and air conditioning.
Del married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Delores “De” Sauer on Sept. 17, 1951 in Mott, N.D. They spent the next two years apart as he was serving those years in Korea with the U.S. Army.
Del trained at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. and was stationed in Korea from Oct. 1951 through April 1953 during the Korean War. Corporal Shafer was a member of the 21st Transportation Car Company. As an operations sergeant, he was responsible for the dispatching of vehicles, supervision of platoon sergeants, preparation of schedules for dispatchers and drivers, and gathering statistics for various operational reports. Del received the following decorations, Korean Service Medal with 4 BSS, United Nations Service Ribbon, Merit Unit Commendation and Commendation Ribbon and Medal pendent.
Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Del and De lived in Bismarck, where he was manager of the meat department at Dan’s Super Valu at Arrowhead Plaza from July 1953 to Jan. 1959. They moved to Watford City in 1959 where Del was employed in the family business, Schafer’s Super Valu, until retiring in 1983. After retirement, Del assisted his son-in-law, David, on occasion with his farming operation.
Del was a member of the American Legion and was an avid hunter and marksman. He liked trap shooting and hunting deer, antelope and birds. Some of his hobbies included reloading ammunition and woodworking. He enjoyed reading the Bible and also challenging his mind by watching his favorite game show, Jeopardy. He also enjoyed watching western movies and the comedy sitcom M*A*S*H. Del had a sharp wit and sense of humor; he will be best remembered by his catchy one-liners. He was a wonderful man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Blessed to have shared in his life are three daughters, Denae (David) Hoffmann, of Watford City, Dawn (Todd) Schock, of Bismarck, and Tracy (Steve) Yoder, of Uniontown, Ohio; his grandchildren, Cia (Jayson) Gronneberg, Jana Hoffmann, Whitney, Eric, Noah and Luke Yoder, Nate Yancey and Brandon, Paige and Parker Schock; four great-grandchildren, Emmee, Hunter, Jaxon and Jersey Gronneberg; an aunt, Ella Thomas; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
Del was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, De (2010) and his parents Gerhart “Butch” & Rose (Goetz) Schafer, of Watford City, N.D.
Memorials of the donor’s choice are encouraged. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.