Raymond Schaff

Raymond (Ray) F. Schaff, 85 of Mandan, ND passed away May 16, 2021, at Sanford Health in Bismarck, with his family by his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Fred Harvey as celebrant. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Ray was born March 31, 1936 in Mandan, ND to Steve and Magdalena (Schaff) Schaff of Mandan. He attended country school. He left school at a young age to work with his dad moving buildings in Grant County.

On January 11, 1955, Ray enlisted in the US Navy. He was active for four years where he was aboard the USS Mitscher.  He achieved First Class Machinist in 20 months, an accomplishment he was most proud of.

On January 16, 1960, he married Bernice (Belohlavek) at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mandan. They made their home west of Mandan and raised four children. In 2020, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.

In his early career, Ray started driving truck. He eventually made his career as a cattle buyer. At one time all three of his sons owned their own trucks and trailers and hauled the cattle their dad bought. He was a member of the Eagles Club, Legion Club, and Morton County Sheriff’s Posse.

Ray loved taking Sunday drives through the countryside.  He could point out cattle in the fields that he had bought for his customers. Ray loved playing cards.  He was a shark at Gin Rummy and Pinochle. In recent years, he loved doing puzzles.  He could put together 1000 pieces in just a couple days.  His children will be forever grateful for his lifelong lessons of working hard, being respectful, and being humble.

Ray’s family would like to thank Dr. Rabadi, Mary Beth, Chrisann, and the entire Sanford staff on the 2SE floor that cared for our dad during his short stay. Your compassion and kindness will never be forgotten. Our dad was a fighter until the end.

Ray is survived by his wife, Bernie of Mandan; two sons, Jeff (RaNette) of Olympia, WA, Greg of Mandan, ND; one daughter Lisa, (Greg) Kruckenberg of Mandan, ND; four granddaughters, Abigail, Temecula, CA, Hannah (Travis) McGhee of Greene County, Ohio, Haley of Olympia, WA and Paige of Mandan, ND; two brothers, Bob of Naperville, IL, Leonard (Barb) of Fargo, ND; three sisters, Helen Beehler of Lodi, CA, Loretta (Glen) Neuenschwander of Yakima, WA and Agnes (Ken) Grimm of Maricopa, AZ. Ray also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his son, Raymond (Joe) who passed away this past November; parents, Steve and Magdalena Schaff; one brother, Joseph Schaff; two sisters, Isabella Schaff and Bernie Roberts.