Heidi Schaeffer

Heidi Lynn Pladson Schaeffer passed away peacefully on February 8, 2018 surrounded by family after a 9-year courageous battle with cancer.

Heidi was born May 10, 1972 to Roland and Norine (Hanson) Pladson in Hatton, ND. Norine later married Paul Vaagene and moved to West Fargo, ND. Heidi attended school in West Fargo and excelled in several sports during her school years and graduated in 1990 from West Fargo High School. She enjoyed spending time at the lakes with family and friends. Growing up Heidi enjoyed tormenting her younger brother Nathan whom she dearly loved before she moved away from home.

Heidi met her husband Dan of 26 years while she was working at Hornbachers. True love can be found while grocery shopping. Heidi went on to work for big box retailers and finally found her passion working in the cable TV industry for over 15 years, later ending her career at Cable One where she worked until she was physically unable to continue working. Her fellow Cable One coworkers were there supporting Heidi throughout her illness even after her departure.

Heidi and Dan lived in Holmen, WI for 8 years where they brought 2 lovely girls (Kayley and Kaitlynn) into this crazy world. After the girls were born the family moved back to West Fargo in 2005 to be closer to family.

Heidi was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in November 2009. She never complained about the multiple surgeries and treatments that she endured throughout the years. She was fighting to be with her daughters for as long as her body would let her.

Heidi loved to be outdoors, enjoying what nature had to offer. She loved animals especially her numerous dogs. She loved to fish, take boat rides, put her feet in the sand, sit outside in a hammock or play ball with her kids. She had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. Heidi loved to drive scooters and motorcycles feeling the wind in her hair. Heidi attended as many of her children’s events as she was able to due to her cancer. Heidi loved to be with family and friends telling stories and making memories. Her laugh was infectious.

Heidi was a person that would give you a hug or a helping hand. She was a feisty Norwegian that was loyal and respected by her coworkers and friends and deeply loved by her family and her girls were her whole world. She was always a jokester and was willing to give you the shirt off her back. You never knew if her smile was a hello or if you were about to be pranked. If you were lucky enough to meet Heidi, then you know that she was a very special person with a very big heart.

Heidi is survived by her husband of 26 years Dan, her daughters Kayley and Kaitlynn, mother Norine Vaagene, fathers Roland Pladson and Paul Vaagene, mother in law Rev. Barbara Schaeffer-Olson, brothers Matt Pladson, Eric Pladson and Nathan(Niki) Vaagene, sister-in-law Deb Schaeffer, brother-in-law Doug Hanson. Nieces Amber, Brittany, Jessica, Avery, and Ella and nephews Connor and Noah. Heidi also has many aunts, uncles and cousins. Heidi is preceded in death by her infant brother Scott, her maternal and paternal grandparents, including her beloved Grandma Edna Hanson, brother-in-law Dave Hanson and numerous aunts and uncles.

Heidi will be loved to the moon and back again.

Funeral Service:       Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 2 pm at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral in Fargo with visitation from 12-2 pm.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

www.westfuneralhome.com

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