Bernard Schaaf

1935 - 2021

Bernard Schaaf

Great Falls - Bernard Charles Schaaf passed away on April 6, 2021.

He was born January 21, 1935, to William and Mabel (James) Schaaf in Quincy, MI. He was the youngest of 13 children. He grew up in Hancock, MI, and graduated from Hancock High School. He played football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.

A year after high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. His first base after tech school was Malmstrom. He was transferred to Finley, ND, where he met his wife, Phyllis. They were married for 65 years at the time of his passing. From Malmstrom, they went to Grand Rapids, MN, and then transferred to Wheelus, AFB, Tripoli Libya, North Africa. By then, they had their three children, Mike, Dan, and Pam. After that tour, they were assigned to Stead AFB in Reno, NV. Later he was transferred to a yearlong tour in remote Alaska. After that year, they were stationed in Antigo, WI. While there he attended two Green Bay Packer games, and one was the ice bowl. He was a strong Packer Backer. On February 4, 2011, the Great Falls Tribune published an article on him attending the game and a picture of Bernie with his $10.00 ticket. From Antigo they went to Mount Laguna in southern, CA. They resided in El Cajon. He was then sent to Alaska again for a year before he returned to Malmstrom.

The family became members of Peace Lutheran Church. He coached a little league team on Malmstrom. They decided to stay in Great Falls where they bought their home.

When Bernie got another tour for remote Alaska, he retired after 23 years. He went to work for J.C. Penney and retired from there after 20 years.

They enjoyed attending the pioneer baseball games and their summer was scheduled around the games. At many of the military bases, he played basketball and softball. He was also an avid bowler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; and six brothers. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Michael, Dan (Kim), and Pam (Pete); granddaughters, Andrea, Stacie, and Candice; and great-grandchildren, Amira, Brayden, Gabriel, and Cameron.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.