Julius M. Schafer

Julius Schafer, 83 of Devils Lake, ND passed away at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake in the loving care of his family on Thursday, March 29, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial for Julius will be held on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Asselin will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and at the church from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 6:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Monday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Julius will be his grandsons, Jamie Minette, Jacob Klier, Mathew Klier, Jared Bryl, Brandon Rosen and Chad Rosen and Honorary Bearers grandsons Ryan Klier and Derek Bryl. Reading the Scriptures will be Mathew Klier and Agnes Schindele. Gift Bearers will be Julius’ granddaughters, Michelle Althoff and Sara Schafer and the Eucharistic Minister will be Jeanette Klier. There will be a Eulogy by Chad Rosen. Julius Schafer, was born in rural Crary, ND on June 19, 1928, to Julius and Mary (Schwan) Schafer. He attended rural school in Noonan Township to 9th grade, and helped his father farm until the early 1950’s. He married Marcella Senger on October 15, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Crary. They settled in Devils Lake where he began working for Lake Bottlegas (know today as Ferrell Gas), primarily as a service technician and later as a manager. He retired in 1991, but continued to remain active by lending his expertise to friends and family needing help with their heating system. Julius was a member of St. Joseph’s parish and served one term on the parish council. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as a member of the Eagles where he was recipient of the Member of the Year award. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, reading, playing cards and playing pranks. He enjoyed sharing his keen sense of humor with others just to bring a smile to their face. For many years Julius was a pitcher for local fast-pitch softball teams. He is survived by his wife, Marcella Schafer and his six children. Debbie Minette of Wichita, KS; Jeanette (Mike) Klier of Minot, ND; Judi (Albert) Bryl of Maple Grove, MN; Linda (Terry) Rosen of Bismarck, ND; Greg (Jeanne) Schafer and Juli (Kevin) Bryl of Devils Lake, ND. He is also survived by three sisters – Veronica Jaeger of Fargo, ND; Agnes (Jim) Schindele of Stephen, MN; and Mary Ellen (Bob) Koelker of Seattle, WA. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandsons, Hunter, Tanner, Andrew, Trevor, Joseph, Peter, David and Rylan. Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Mary Schafer; three brothers – Leo and Melvin Schafer and Richard Schafer in infancy; two sisters - Katherine Sink and Irene O’Brien.