Tony and Sterling Schaffner

Funeral services will be held for Tony and Sterling at 11:00 AM, Monday, Aug. 5, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 N 4th St, Bismarck. To view the service livestream, click this link Live Stream - Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, North Dakota (trinitybismarck.com)

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Sunday, Aug. 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Sterling “Nugget” Anthony Schaffner left this earth with his grandfather on July 29, 2024. 

He was born on August 16th, 2011 in Bismarck ND to Josh and Danielle Schaffner. 

Sterling was a centerpiece that brought families together. His tremendous heart and calming personality was an inspiration to his whole extended family. He was an exceptional student and had a limitless thirst for knowledge. He loved to read and was on an endless quest to learn. He had a wonderful sense of humor that connected beyond his years. 

Sterling loved golfing and basketball, and especially enjoyed tubing and spending time at Lake Metigoshe with his brothers, sister, cousins, and grandparents. He will be forever loved and missed. 

Sterling is survived by his parents (Josh & Danielle), brothers (Clark, Addison, and Jett), sister (Savannah), and his beloved cat, Karen. 

Anton “Tony” J. Schaffner, 69, of Zeeland, died unexpectedly on July 28, 2024 with his grandson Sterling Schaffner. Anton was born September 30, 1954, in Eureka, SD to Anton P. and Marie Schaffner of Zeeland.

After graduating from high school, Tony attended college at the University of Mary in Bismarck, where he met Vivian Nagel of Linton, the love of his life. During his junior year, he got the opportunity to return to the farm where he was raised. Tony and Vivian married on November 8, 1975, and started their life on the farm, raising their four sons: Rashad, Joshua, Preston, and Chance.

Tony was an active member of the Zeeland First Responders and Fire Department and a dedicated member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and the Zeeland community. A hardworking man with numerous skills, Tony was always willing to help others. Tony could do anything. Despite his humble nature, he was most proud of his sons, with whom he loved working with, sharing his skills and always teaching the importance of family and hard work. When asked about his reflection on his decision to farm instead of finishing college, he would remark it was the farm where he raised four men that shared his values of family, hard work, and love of the community. Tony was the rock for his sons.

Tony was also blessed with twelve grandchildren, who were the only ones able to get him to take a break from the farm. He cherished watching his sons’ families grow.

Tony is survived by his wife, Vivian; sons and daughters-in-law, Rashad and Nicki (Wentz) with their sons Ethan, Tristan, and Breckan; Joshua and Danielle (Skarperud) with their children Addison, Clark, Savannah, and Jett; Preston and Lacey (Sayler) with their daughters Lilly, Finley, and Everly; and Chance and Kristen (Bier) with their son Camden. He is also survived by his three brothers and their families: Andrew, David, and John, and eight sisters and their families: Marcella, Aggie, Luella, Julia, Mary, Jeannie, Irene, and Delores.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Anton Sr. and Marie. Sadly, Tony left us too soon, going to heaven with his grandson Sterling Schaffner, son of Joshua and Danielle.