Birgit Schaf

Birgit Helga Schaf (Koch), 67, passed away 4/15/25 in Mandan, after a short but courageous battle with Lung Cancer. Even up until her passing, she wanted things to be her way. Her sons stepped out of the house for 15 minutes, and she decided that was the appropriate time to pass. Birgit was in constant care of her family, including around the clock company of Krystal Thomas, her eldest son’s girlfriend.

Birgit was born on March 7th, 1958, in Pirmasens, Germany. In 1980, she married Clyde Stephen Schaf (Ex), who was in the Army and stationed in Germany. Birgit and Clyde, with their eldest son, moved back to North Dakota in 1981. Birgit and Clyde had 3 boys, Christopher in 1980, Alexander in 1983, and Johnathan in 1985. Birgit graduated from the University of Mary, Bismarck, in 1997, Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Up until her cancer diagnosis in August 2024, and early-retirement in September, she had worked for Supervalu Warehouse Bismarck (now UNFI) for 44 years. She only missed work a few times in those 44 years and was a devoted and hard worker. Birgit loved slot-machines and was a regular patron of Prairie Nights and Four Bears Casino, often staying overnight just to enjoy her time. Birgit loved listening to music, Michael Jackson and Queen being two of her favorites. She also loved watching old movies, including old westerns. Ben-Hur and Gone with the Wind were often watched. Birgit also loved crime shows like Law and Order, Forensic Files, and CSI. Birgit also had the entire collection of Home Interior Denim Days, and a large collection of Princess Diana collectible dolls. Birgit loved her family dearly, including her grandchildren. Her family will miss her sense of humor and stubbornness. She passed that along with her strength to her sons. There won’t be a day they don’t think of her.

Birgit is survived by her three sons Chris Schaf (Krystal Thomas) of Mandan, Alex Beaubien (Robert) of Vancouver Washington and John Schaf (Lindsay) of Lincoln, and three grandchildren Ana (Chris), Johnathan (John) and Evelyn (John), her ex-husband Clyde, of Mandan, and Tina Krumb (Martin) of Pirmasens, Germany.

Birgit is predeceased by her parents Hans and Renate Koch (Bauer), sister Anneli Truitt-Schumacher, and grandson Max (Chris).

Birgit wished for no funeral service and will be donated to South Dakota State University. Her eventual final resting place will be St. Johns Cemetery, south of Mandan.