Michael Paul Schaffer

Mass of Christian Burial for Michael Paul Schaffer, 92, of Aberdeen, will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2014, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 409 2nd Avenue NE, Aberdeen, with Father J. Joseph Holzhauser officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

A Liturgical Wake Service, followed by a Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, at the mortuary and one hour prior to Mass at the church on Thursday.

Michael passed away Friday, May 2, 2014 at Avera Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen.

Michael Paul Schaffer was born on March 18, 1922, to John and Theresia (Gross) Schaeffer on a farm in Richmond, SD. He received his education at Richmond School, where he graduated from 8th grade with high grades. Michael then worked on the family farm.

Michael was married to Bertha M. Schwab on June 6, 1949, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, by Reverend James Wolf. The couple made their home on the farm and Michael continued to farm his whole life. Michael and Bertha shared 60 years of marriage before she passed away in May of 2010.

Agriculture was Michael’s life. He loved raising cattle, grain farming, attending auction sales and visiting coffee shops. Michael won many achievement awards for his work with conservation. He loved trees and wildlife and made good shelterbelts around his farm. Michael also made many stock dams for his cattle. He served as a Weed Chairman for many years for Ravinia Township and was also a delegate for South Dakota Wheat Growers.

Michael also enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and trapping. He loved gardening, good music, and dancing as well.

Michael was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Moose Lodge in Aberdeen.

Michael was a tremendous influence to his family. Grateful for sharing his life are his two daughters, Sharon (Donald) Stauss of Chandler, AZ and Charlene Schaffer of Des Moines, WA; two sisters, Gertrude Brown and Irene (Ervin) Schlickenmyer, both of Aberdeen; two grandchildren, Sean (Stephanie) Stauss of Canby, OR and Kimberly Stauss of Chandler, AZ; and one great-granddaughter, Sophia Stauss of Canby, OR.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha; his parents, four brothers and four sisters.