Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Philip “Phil” Schafer
Phil was born on January 2, 1945 to John and Elsie Schafer in New Rockford, ND. He attended St. James Academy until 8th grade and graduated high school from St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, MN. He attended Wahpeton Short Course and North Dakota State University before returning to the family farm. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda Lill, on November 27, 1965. For almost 57 years, they worked side by side building a life, legacy and carrying on the 4th generation of Rhein Valley Farms.
Phil was an active member of the Elks in Devils Lake, Eagles in New Rockford, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Wells County Water Board, Wells County Soil Conservation Supervisor, Wells County Better Seed and Grain Board, New Rockford Rural Fire Dept. Board Member. At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he served as a Parish Council Member and taught religion classes. Phil and Linda were the recipients of the Wells County Harvest Bowl award in 1991.
Phil spent his whole life in production agriculture and livestock. His strong faith guided him through these times. He embraced technology changes and appreciated some more than others (heated cabs for winter morning chores). His infectious smile and sense of humor was loved by all he touched. He was a role model for work ethic, determination, responsibility, and positive attitude.
Above all, he adored his wife and family. Phil spent hours playing cards and dice with his family and passing on the tradition. In his younger years, he spent a lot of time on horseback. His love of horses was passed down through the generations. Phil and Linda could often be seen going for ranger rides to check pastures and crops. Punctuality was important to Phil. He could often be heard saying that the bus is leaving whether you’re ready or not. Phil was the entire family’s biggest cheerleader and best storyteller.
Phil was a man with a big, strong heart. We witnessed that as he battled health challenges, and the last one called him home. Phil died on October 25, 2022 surrounded by family at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, ND. We will forever miss the wonderful husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa but will cherish his wings from above.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, Linda; children: son Jeff (Leann) Schafer, New Rockford, ND; daughters Brenda (Dean) Krogen, West Fargo, ND; Pam (Todd) Johnson, Fargo, ND; DeeAnn (Eric) Bock, Belfield, ND; grandchildren: Chelsey (Kyle) Erdmann, Colten Schafer, Corey Schafer, Stephanie (Blake) Krueger, Lindsey Krogen, Elizabeth Krogen, Isaac Johnson, Emma Bock, Eli Bock; great-grandchildren: Kade, Karsyn, Kooper Erdmann, Baby Krueger Jan. 2023; and sister Phyllis (Frank) Rausch, Kalispell, MT. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Schafer and grandparents.
Family would like to thank Dr. Geier and his staff, the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, Hospice, and Evans Funeral Home for their love and care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Rural New Rockford Fire Department or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery.
Phil’s Visitation will be Friday from 1:00PM-5:00PM at Evans Funeral Home and will continue from 6:00PM-7:00PM with a Rosary Service at 6:40 followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00PM all at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 10:30AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford.
His Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Bremen, ND.
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Linda and family: We were saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry we are. May he Rest In Peace in the loving arms of our ever loving Savior. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda and Family: I was shocked hearing of Phil’s passing. I am sorry for your loss. Having grown up as neighbors I have fond memories of Phil. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with you and the family during this time of grieving. Prayers
sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. You all are in our prayers.
Linda & Family: We are thinking of you & sending our sympathy. So sorry to hear this. Rest in Peace Phil. Sending prayers & love.
Dear Linda and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you not only now but in the days to come. May Phil Rest in Peace and May God watch over all of you. Love Penny and Leon
Linda and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Linda and family,
Prayers are with you and your family. Phil was a very caring person that always had a smile for everyone that he talked to.
May Phil Rest in Peace and watch the kids flourish from his view from up above. Another special Guardian Angel to look out for his family and friends.
My love and support will always be here for you Pam. Please accept my condolences on the death of your father. You are in my thoughts.
Linda, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Phil was always a “good” cousin and I have many found memories of spending time with him on the farm, hiking in the trees, collecting eggs and playing in the hay loft and hanging out at Grandma Schafer’s apartment. He taught me how to whistle and I never did really get the hang of it, but I appreciated his efforts. He did have an infectious laugh and was such a welcoming person. He will be missed. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Linda and family we are so sad for your loss. Your family is so sweet and hard working. We will miss seeing you two together as you always were. God Bless.
Our deepest sympathies to Linda and family. RIP my friend Phil. Loved the time that I had with Phil, Linda and family! Really enjoyed working for Phil! I still think and talk about that time I had out on the ranch. God bless you all in this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy to the family!
Linda and family. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. It’s hard to lose a mate. However as our pastor says” He just changed address.”
Dennis and Lorrettax Mindt
Linda and family, we were so surprised to see Phil’s obituary. We both send our deepest sympathies to each of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff, Leann and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you all. You will remain in our daily prayers for strength and comfort. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Phil was greatly appreciated throughout our area and had a positive influence on many. Prayers for all your family.
Dear Linda and family,
Pat and I are so sorry for your loss. Living so far away we are sad that we cannot attend Phil’s funeral. He had a great smile and a twinkle in his eyes that made one think that he was thinking of a good joke. May his soul rest in peace.
God bless you,
Sheryl Rayome
Linda and family, I am sorry to hear about Phil.
Linda and family,
So sorry for the loss. He will be missed.
Just heard of Phil’s passing. I am deeply sorry to hear of it. He was a
wonderful friend and we spent many hours talking about all different
subjects. I truly enjoyed the times and will always remember him. A man with a big smile and the mind of a scholar. God bless his soul.
Dear Linda and Family,
Saddened to learn of your loss of Phil. Phil lives on in fond memories and spirit. He always had a smile on his face when i saw him and also Linda was there with him. What an example of married love and devotion. His heart was foremost with his family but his second love was agriculture and lending his talent to many organizations. I didn’t know Phil taught religion class’s. What a man of faith!
God bless you Phil Schafer Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary Klein
Linda and Family……God will watch over you and we will have a mass said for Phil…We sure enjoyed our visits with Phil and You… God bless and Prayers coming your way…..
Linda and family – So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing, I will keep you and your family in my prayers