Raymond Schaffer

Raymond Schaffer, 82, Fargo, ND, passed away on Sunday, Feb 4, 2018. 

Raymond Schaffer was born November 4, 1935, to Andrew and Barbara (Werlinger) Schaffer in Edgeley, ND where he attended school and grew up on the family farm.

He was joined in marriage to Verna Junker on Aug 23, 1958, and they were married for 28 years. Ray was drafted in the Army in 1958, and was stationed in Washington DC where he was a Presidential Honor Guard for President Eisenhower until 1960. Afterwards, they lived in Spokane, Washington, for a year until his father passed and then moved back to Fargo.  They were blessed with three boys, Monte, Mark and Erin. He joined the Local 338 Union Plumbers and Pipe Fitters where he worked for over 55 years, during which in the fall of 1968, he worked as a contractor in Vietnam for 18 months. He was married to Caroline (Wilhelm) Swiontek from 1994-2007. 

Ray enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, water skiing, dancing and family.  Ray loved going on an annual fishing trip with his boys where they had a trophy for the most notable event. He was happiest spending time with his family and going to his grandkids sporting events and concerts. 

He may be gone but the footprints he left in everyone’s heart will live on forever.  Raymond will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his children: Monte (Amy) Schaffer, International Falls, MN, Mark (Dawn) Schaffer, Horace, ND, Erin (Nickie) Schaffer, Eden Prairie, MN; his grandchildren Lindsey Schaffer, Andrew Stubstad, Colton, Dawson, and Ethan Schaffer, Reyana and Lily Schaffer. His brothers, William, Bernard (Patty) and Victor (Mary); his sisters, Irene Ohnstad, Bertha (Kenneth) Wolff, Helen (Allan) Lambrecht, and Carol (Wallace) Berg; and many nieces and nephews. 

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Herman and Clarence; sister-in-law LaVon Schaffer; brother-in-law Marvin Ohnstad; and niece Yvonne Ohnstad.

There will be a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be held at Holy Cross South Cemetery in Fargo.   Military Honors provided by Gilbert C Grafton American Legion Post #2, Fargo, and the ND Military Funeral Honors Team.

Mass of Christian Burial:  10:30AM Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo.

Visitation: One hour prior to his Funeral Mass

Burial:  Holy Cross - South, Fargo

West Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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