Richard Schafer

Richard Schafer, 78, Bismarck, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, August 25, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 28, at St. Mary’s Parish, 806 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm with a Vigil Prayer Service and Rosary starting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 27 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck.

Richard was born to Ralph and Magdalena (Schaaf) Schafer on May 20, 1941. He was born, raised and educated in Glen Ullin. Following Richard’s graduation from Glen Ullin High School, he went to Oregon where he worked for Boeing as an assembler for a few years before returning to North Dakota.

Richard was a carpenter for most of his life. Throughout the years, he worked for several different construction companies, including Meisner, Harley Miller Construction and a few others. He then worked at L&H Manufacturing for over 20 years before he retired.  

On August 16, 1969, he married Catherine “Kate” Heier. They met in Beulah while Richard was building houses there. In the early 1970’s, they moved to Bismarck and he designed and built the home where they raised their six children. Richard and Kate just celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary and lived in the same house Richard built for them.

Richard was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and the Carpenters Union.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine “Kate”; children, Susan (Joel) Aukes, Fargo, Shannon (Timber) Schafer, Bismarck, Sheree Schafer, Bismarck, Selinda Schafer, Bismarck, Shawn (Kristin) Schafer, Lidgerwood and Sandy (Lindsay) Schafer, Bismarck; grandchildren, Markita (Josh) Rohde, Alexia, Ambrea, Emma, Tallin and Bethany Schafer and one baby girl due in October, named Ella; three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Beatrice, Rose, Phillip, Wilbert “Buddy”, Adeline, Alice, Edward, Anthony and Joyce.