Gerald “Jerry” Schaf, age 73, of Fairhaven, died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family.
A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Jerry will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale, with a ceremony to share stories at 3 p.m. Interment will take place at the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota on May 15, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Gerald Allen John Schaf was born on Feb. 4, 1951, in Bismarck, North Dakota, the eldest of 10 children born to Adam and Eileen (Gilbertson) Schaf. Jerry lived an active life, growing up on a cattle ranch in Solen, North Dakota. Some of his favorite memories included the time he spent ranching. He attended high school in Fort Yates, graduating in 1969. Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He married Shelly Engel, and they had two sons, Don and Nick. They later divorced. Jerry met his life partner, Jackie Whitters, and became a father figure to her children, Tammy, Scott, and Becky. Together, they made their house a home and blended their families. Jerry and Jackie celebrate almost 36 years together. For over 45 years, Jerry was a boilermaker.
His passion for fishing, woodworking, welding, and birdwatching were only surpassed by his love for his family. Gerald cherished moments spent with Jackie, their kids, as well as his cherished grandchildren. His talent in making wooden toys for his 13 grandchildren brought smiles and laughter to all. Jerry became a born-again Christian in the last months of his life. He will be missed by his family, but they know they will see him again.
He is survived by the love of his life partner, Jackie Whitters of Fairhaven; children, Don Schaf of Mandan, ND, Tammy (Jason) French of West Concord, Minnesota, Scott (Stephanie) Whitters of St. Cloud, Nick Schaf of Fairhaven, and Becky (Steve) Dominie of West Concord; 13 grandchildren, Samantha, Luke, Brett, Chaz, Lexi, James, Jayde, Maverick, Morgan, Skyler, Sequoia, Aiyanna, and Cheyton; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, David, Jim (Carmen), Dan (Tammy), and Robert (Jeanette) Schaf; and sister, Jane (Robert) Heide, Carol Rosinski, Nancy (Dale) Leingang; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Eileen; brothers, Glen and Phillip; and grandson, Hunter Moen.
The obituary, guestbook, video tribute and service webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.