Gary C Schaff

Gary Schaff, 69, passed away on May 19, 2023, at his home in Mandan after a battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Joseph in Mandan with Fr. Josh Waltz presiding. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery with full military honors. A luncheon will be held at the Baymont Inn and Suites in Mandan.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM with a Parish Vigil at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 23 at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan.

Gary, the son of Jack and Rose (Boehm) Schaff, was born on January 14, 1954, and attended elementary and high school in Mandan. He joined the Marine Corp in high school and obtained his GED while serving. Gary started his service with the Marines in 1972 and was discharged honorably in 1974 after serving overseas. After completing his time with USMC, he began employment with Bobcat Manufacturing Company (formerly Clark Equipment Company). Shortly after, he married his wife of 44 years, Renee (Landeis), on October 20th, 1978. Together they had two children: Jaimee and Corey Schaff. Gary retired from Bobcat in 2009 after 36 years of service.

Gary loved spending his time camping and fishing with family and friends. You could find him around the campfire where you were guaranteed laughs and good stories. Gary enjoyed watching Nascar races and was proud that he was able to attend the Daytona 500 in person in 2020. His favorite movies were anything with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood.

Most importantly he loved spending time with family, especially his three granddaughters: Teagan, Harper, and Rowyn. Gary loved when the girls came over and always wanted it to be known that they were free to babysit them anytime. He would do anything to make them laugh and would spend his weekends watching various sports and activities that they were involved in.

In addition to his parents, Jack and Rose (Boehm) Schaff, Gary was preceded in death by his brother Randy Schaff, and his sisters Alice Schaff and Arlene Thompson.

Gary is survived by his wife Renee; children, Jaimee Schaff (Andrew Hanson), Corey (Nikki) Schaff; grandchildren, Teagan, Harper, and Rowyn Schaff; brothers and sisters, Angie Mitchell, Shirley Schaff, Larry (Darla) Schaff, Keith Schaff, Tim Schaff, Jack (Darcy) Schaff and countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Some of Gary’s last days were spent at Sanford Hospital. During his battle with cancer, Gary was never one to complain. Whenever anyone asked how he was feeling his response would be “good”.  Gary always had a hopeful outlook no matter what he was faced with. While at the hospital he received compassionate and quality care from many nurses. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the nurses of Sanford Hospital’s 7th Floor Oncology for their kindness and care. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the Vietnam Veterans of America.