Don Schaefer , 61, rural Minot died on Saturday, December 27, 2008 in a Minot hospital.

Don was born on May 29, 1947 in Breckenridge, MN to Harold and Loretta (Fettes) Schaefer. He was raised on the family farm south of Minot and graduated from Bishop Ryan High School in 1965. He attended Minot State University where he majored in music. As a young adult he began employment with Minot Lumber and Hardware in 1969. He continued with that company until 1985 when he became employed by Tioga Lumber Company. He returned to Minot Lumber in 1991 and was employed there until the time of his death. Don was also a member of the U.S. Army Reserve where he served as a medic from 1967 until he was honorably discharged in 1973.

Don was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. He was a fourth degree member and past president of the Knights of Columbus Council #4896 and a member of Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartets of America (S.P.E.B.S.Q.A.) for several years. His passion was music and he was a soloist in numerous weddings and funerals at various churches in Minot. He enjoyed music of any kind and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing with other family members. Nephews, nieces and their families especially loved his visits, words of wisdom, and sharing his talents of singing, photography and nature. Also, he enjoyed photography and bird watching.

Don's loving family includes his siblings: Dennis Schaefer (Sandra Finney) of Saskatoon, SK, Kenneth Schaefer (Kathy) of Thornton CO, Francis Schaefer (Marvel) of Minot, Karen Krause of Minot, Donna Peach (Richard) of Monument CO, Mary Ann Schaefer-Seney (Darwin Seney) of Burlington and Curtis Schaefer (Cindy) of Minot as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister and his grandparents.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday December 30, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 30, 2008, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.