Donald Schafer, 89, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford, ND.

Donald Matt Schafer was born May 17, 1936 at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, ND.  He was the son of Matt and Mary (Scheile) Schafer.  He lived with his parents on the family farm near Tokio, ND and started his education at Lonetree School in Benson County.  In 1944, they moved to a farm near New Rockford and Don continued his education at Superior Township School #1 and St. James Academy in New Rockford.

On November 6, 1954, Don was united in marriage to Eleanor Clelland.  They lived in New Rockford all of their remaining years.  As a young man, Don had many jobs in New Rockford and the surrounding area working for farmers.  From 1949 on, Don worked for:  The Midway City Creamery, the Thompson Lumberyard, the Great Northern Railroad, Merv’s Standard Oil & the Ford Garage, and Hope’s Inc.  At Hope’s Inc., he received a Dr. of Motor’s Certificate from the Perfect Circle Corporation in 1957.  He worked at Midway Implement – John Deere – for one year as parts manager.  In 1959, Don started his long career in road construction by working for two years for Weber Construction.  After that he worked for 21 years for Archie Campbell, Inc.  He drove trucks and operated all heavy equipment, including dragline and also worked as a heavy equipment mechanic.  He was superintendent of the Campbell Co. for three years.

Don loved road construction and often said he didn’t like being away from family, so when the Campbell Co. dissolved in 1980, Don, Eleanor and family started and operated Schafer Construction, and later added Don’s Welding.  They sold out in 1991.  Don then worked as a heavy equipment mechanic and welder for Park Construction Co. for 3 years.  After semi-retirement, he worked for 5 years as the greenskeeper at the New Rockford Golf Course.  In 2000, he started driving the Eddy County Senior Transit Bus.  He drove bus for 8 years, and was also a volunteer Meals on Wheels driver.  Don loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved to take his two sons, other family members and friends out to hunt and fish.  In the 70’s and 80’s, Don became a Certified Hunter Safety Instructor.  For 11 years, he helped many youngsters in the community graduate from Hunter Safety Education classes and earn their certificates.

In 2004, Betty Westby asked Don to serve on a committee.  Five years later they were instrumental in getting the name of North Park in New Rockford changed to Archie Campbell Park and Campground.  With a lot of effort and community support, a beautiful monument was purchased and placed in memory of Archie and Jessie Campbell.  Don wrote the words found at the base of the monument: “Their names may perish from our lips but the memory of their many unselfish deeds to this community will live forever”.

Don is a long-standing member of St. John’s Catholic Church.  He has been active in the New Rockford Eagles for more than 35 years, he served as president, along with holding other offices.  He was a life-member of both the Central ND Steam Threshers and the NRA.  He was a member of the AGC (Associated General Contractors) of ND and Land Improvement Association.  Don has enjoyed league bowling for more than 50 years, first at Blackstone Lanes and later at Wonder Lanes in New Rockford.  In 2003, he won the North Dakota State Senior Tournament in his division, which made him eligible to bowl in the National Seniors Tournament in Reno, NV in May of 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Eleanor; three daughters, Sarah Nisbet of Mooreton, ND, Julie Schafer of New Rockford, ND, and Karen (Tim) Lindberg of Florida; two sons, Allan Schafer of Fargo, ND, and Kevin (Angie) Schafer of Carrington, ND; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Lou Nelson; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Schafer; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Schafer; his parents; and his siblings Joe, Edward, Mike, Albert, Angeline Morse, and Lambert.

Donald’s Visitation will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 1:00PM – 5:30PM followed by a Rosary Service at 5:30PM and Vigil Service at 6:00PM, all at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 26 at 10:00AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford, ND.

His Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery, New Rockford, ND.