Irene Schafer

Irene Schafer, 91, Bismarck, died September 15, 2019, at St. Gabriel’s Community, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 pm Friday, September 20, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St., Bismarck.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, September 19, at St. Gabriel’s Community, 4580 Coleman St., Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 pm.

Burial is at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Irene was born May 3, 1928, in Glen Ullin, ND, the only child born to Joseph and Magdalena (Hoerner) Paul. She was raised and educated in Glen Ullin. On May 6, 1947 she married Philip Schafer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glen Ullin. Together they had three children, Karen, Wesley, and Janet. They made their home in Bismarck where Philip worked as a masonry contractor and then pursued his own business, Phil Schafer Masonry Co. Irene and Phil enjoyed traveling that took them to places such as Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, New York, Washington D.C., Cayman Islands, and many more. They also enjoyed traveling together in their motorhome and were members of the Good Sam Trail Blazer Club. Another enjoyable time for them was spending time at their summer cabin on Lake Isabel. They were married for 45 years before Philip died on January 29, 1993.

Irene was always ready to play a game of cards or a board game with her family and friends. She also loved music and dancing. Irene had been active in Catholic Daughters, United Commercial Travelers, and also a member of the Bismarck Elks and Eagles Club. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Irene attended Josef’s Hair School and became a hairdresser. She also worked as an Avon representative and was a sales clerk at JC Penney. But most important to her was being a wife and mother at home. Irene had a very active social life until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. She touched so many lives and will be deeply missed.

A special thank you to her second family, the staff of St. Gabriel’s Community, for the love and care you gave to Irene and for all the support you gave to me, her daughter.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Janet (Timothy) Frank; her daughter-in-law, Joyce Schafer; six grandchildren, Michael Schafer, Jennifer Aus, Joseph Schafer, Thomas Schafer, Ryan Frank and Matthew Frank; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Philip; daughter, Karen; son, Wesley; and her parents.