Larry Schafer

Larry Schafer, 76, Mandan, passed away September 21, 2024, at a Bismarck hospital with his beloved wife and four sons by his side. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Josh Waltz celebrating. Burial will follow at 12 noon at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, with a Parish Rosary and Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Larry was born November 11, 1947, in Richardton, ND, to John and Magdaline (Geiger) Schafer. In 1963, at age 16, Larry began working at Bill’s Super Valu. He eventually became produce manager and retired in 2006. Larry dedicated his life to Bill’s Super Valu and that store for 43 years. After retiring from the grocery store, he drove courtesy car for Corwin Churchill. Larry was also proud to have served his country for six years in the North Dakota National Guard.

Generous and giving of his time and committed to his community, Larry was a member and past President of the Mandan Park Board. During his time as president, he had a large influence in building Prairie West Golf Course and the Eagles Park. He was also President of Mandan Amateur Basketball Association, member and President of the Mandan Jaycees, and a member of the Mandan Elks, Knights of Columbus, Mandan Eagles, and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. 

Larry was a dedicated father to his four sons which led him to be a member and President of the Mandan Athletic and Recreation (MAR) Club and the original founder of the Mandan Boys Basketball Club. Larry coached youth basketball starting in the early 1970’s with St Joseph’s and Christ the King and then went on to coach all four of his sons in youth basketball and traveling basketball. He was a huge supporter of Mandan, especially Mandan athletics with boys and girls’ basketball, football, wrestling, and baseball. He had “his spot” in the Mandan gymnasium, behind the Mandan bench about 5 rows up. 

Larry enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, golf, and slow and fast pitch softball. He was an avid outdoorsman and liked fishing, boating, hunting, and camping. In 1972, he started a Canadian fishing trip to Amisk Lake. He made 47 trips over the years and shared that fishing opportunity with over 90 other people. Larry was also big into hunting geese in Westhope and deer hunting in the Badlands. 

Above all, Larry was a proud family man. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his world. He married the love of his life, Connie (Bauer) and they built a beautiful life together, sharing almost 52 years. They loved going on cruises, playing cards, especially Pinochle, and always had fun playing Catchphrase at the Schafer family Christmas. He never missed any of his kids’ sporting events. He made sure that every summer they took a family vacation. He loved driving through the mountains, going places from Washington, Yellowstone, to Green Bay. He was a proud share owner and fan of the Green Bay Packers, a passion he shared with his sons. He was also a huge fan of the New York Yankees and Boston Celtics. 

Blessed to have shared in his life is his loving wife of nearly 52 years, Connie Schafer of Mandan; four sons, Brian (Pamela) Schafer of Mandan, and their children, Brianna Helbling (special friend, Lars Hegland) & Brookelle Schafer; Brad (Sharyl) Schafer of Mandan, and their children, Taylor (Eric) Krall, John Schafer, & Wyatt Schafer; Brent (Tanya) Schafer of Mandan, and their children, Jaxson Kummer & Beckett Schafer; and Brandon Schafer of Mandan; one brother, Dennis (Jolene) Schafer of Mandan; one sister, Karen (Don) Nuss of Mandan; mother-in-law, Marie Bauer of Mandan; and many nieces & nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, John & Maggie; father-in-law, Leo Bauer; and sister-in-law, Jolene Bauer.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been set up in Larry’s name, and the family respectfully requests that any donations be made through BNC National Bank, 2711 Sunset Drive, Mandan, ND 58554. Please make checks payable to: The Family of Larry Schafer