Jeanette 'Jean' Schaefer , 75, lifelong resident of Des Lacs, ND died Friday, February 5, 2021 in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Jeanette was born December 24, 1945 in Minot, ND to parents Thorvald 'Thor' and Tilda 'Tillie' ( Ho i land ) Torgrimson . She was raised and educated in Des Lacs, where she atte nded both elementary and high school.  She graduated with the Class of 1963, the first graduating class from the new high school.

After graduation , Jean was employed as a telephone operator for Northwest Bell Telephone in the Minot office.

Jean was joined in marriage to Jerry Schaefer on February 27, 1965 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. They began their lifelong journey together farming small grains , raising beef cattle , and selling farm fresh eggs . The farm kept Jean busy over the years especially after her family began to grow to include Jeff, Mike, Gregg, Bryan, Becky, John and Matt. In addition to her primary duties as a mother, Jean also carried well the titles of grain and silage hauler, gate tender, cook and gardener.

Large gardens that she planted and tended helped to produce what was needed for the supper table that often included eating what had been canned to compliment the farm raised beef. Jean's kitchen was a place that friends became family , lessons were often taught in recipes and her love complimented with wisdom were always shared with a cup of coffee and dessert . As a lifelong Laker fan, Jean treasured the time she spent in the bleachers cheering on her boys and later her grandchildren in all their activities. She valued friendships that were made and always took the opportunity to meet new people. In her words, "Lakers fans we were!"

Jean was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and American Chianina Association Lady's Auxiliary.

Jean will be deeply missed but her legacy of dedication to family will be carried on for future generations in the community of Des Lacs. Jerry would like to extend a special thank you to his family, especially Laune for the comfort and care she provided to Jean, and to the many friends and neighbors who supported his family during this time.

Jean is survived by her dedicated and loving husband of nearly 56 years, Jerry Schaefer, Des Lacs; children Jeff (Kim Padgett) Schaefer, Des Lacs, Mike (Laune) Schaefer, Lisbon, ND, Gregg (Ann) Schaefer, Des Lacs, ND, Bryan (Bridget) Schaefer, Des Lacs, John (Danica) Schaefer, Des Lacs, and Matt (Amy) Schaefer, Minot, ND; grandchildren Kacie (Darin) Mowan , Jordyn Schaefe r; Michael (Kelly) Schaefer, Kelsey (Mike) Hegle ; Brett, Kayla & Abbey Schaefer ; Mya, Kate & Kole Knecht ; Riley, Megan, Holly, Tyler, & Kati Schaefer ; Edith, Phillip, Marshall, & Wilhelmina Schaefer ; and Jacob & Grace Schaefer; great-grandchildren Trevin, Tallin, Tillie, & Baby Mowan , Jeremy, Joel & Everett Schaefer and Charli & Cullen Hegle; sisters: Orla Lindell, Adele (Dennis) Armstrong and Gail (David) Bertsch; sisters/brothers-in-law:  Cindy Torgrimson , Pat Theisen and Dick & Sharon Schaefer along with numerous nieces , nephews and countless friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Rebecca Rae, brother Donald Torgrimson , b r other in laws: Allan Lindell and Don Theisen and mother & father in law Ray and Elino r Schaefer.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.
To view a livestream of the service access www.mtmsales.net/thomas

Face coverings are appreciated and per directive of the Bismarck Diocese no viewing is permitted at the church.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND following Mass at the church.
Public Visitation & Viewing: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Face coverings and social distancing are appreciated.
Memorials are preferred to Farm Rescue or Trinity Hospice.

Jean Schaefer Flower Pictures