Luella M. Schafer

Luella M. (Couture) Schafer, 91 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Friday morning, January 19, 2018 at CHI, St. Alexius Hospital, Devils Lake.

Luella Marie, the youngest of twelve children born to Eugene and Mary (Sewell) Couture was born October 5, 1926 at St. John, ND where she also received her elementary education. She attended St. Joseph’s High School at Wild Rice, ND, graduating with the class of 1944.  In the fall of 1945, Luella entered the Nurses Training Program at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Devils Lake and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1948 and then began working at Mercy Hospital.  A career of 40 years, serving the patients placed in her care. 

Luella was united in marriage to Leo D. Schafer on November 19, 1949 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake and raised their family.  Leo died on June 18, 1981. 

Luella was a member of St. Joseph Church, the Altar Society, St. Jude’s Circle, which she served as the vice president of until it dissolved. She was a charter member of the Legion of Mary and was also an associate member of the Sisters of the Presentation. Luella was instrumental in the Sunday afternoon card parties in support of the Father John Davis Mission Fund. 

Luella is survived by her children Randy (Conni) Schafer, Mandan, ND, Cindy Brannan, Fox Island, Washington, Mark Schafer and Jeanne (Rick) Reardon both of Devils Lake; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, Anna, Johnny, Caleb, Rachel, Jaylen, Kaylie, Addison and Orrin and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leo; brothers Joe, Everett, Eugene, Howard and Dick Couture; sisters Margaret Augadahl, Frances Sliter, Catherine Eresman, Annie Couture, Sr. Helen Couture and Mary Dion.

Mass of Christian Burial for Luella will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and continue at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon officiating. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.

Casket Bearers for Luella will be her grandchildren Douglas Brannan, Luke Schafer, Casey Reardon, Jason Reardon, Amanda Klemetsrud, Katie Washington, Erin Schafer, Sarah Shields, Emily Schafer, Kelsey Schafer and Jennifer Caplinger.

Reading the Scriptures will be Patty Keeling and Jason Reardon with music provided by Lynne Webster and Patty Cote. Gift Bearers will be Jennifer, Kelsey and Emily Schafer.