Frances Schaffer

Frances Schaffer, 87, of Wishek, North Dakota, passed away on December 22, 2025, at South Central Health in Wishek surrounded by the love of her family and the faith that guided her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wishek. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 p.m., also at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Wishek.

Frances was born on February 12, 1938, in Linton, North Dakota, to Frank and Caroline (Deisz) Schumacher. She was raised on a farm near Linton, where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that shaped her entire life. She attended country school and developed a deep and lasting love for the land.

On June 10, 1957, Frances was united in marriage to Jacob (Jack) Schaffer at Holy Trinity Catholic Church near Strasburg, North Dakota. Together with her husband, they built a life rooted in faith and family on the Jacob Schaffer homestead south of Napoleon. Frances took great pride in her role as a farm wife and homemaker, faithfully tending to her home, preparing countless meals, and supporting the daily work of the farm with quiet strength and dedication. Her kitchen and home were the heart of the farm, a place of warmth, welcome, and love. Later in life, the couple moved to Wishek, retiring in 2008, though the farm always held a special place in her heart.

Frances's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was deeply involved in St. Patrick's Catholic Church and a devoted member of the Altar Society. She attended daily Mass for as long as she was able and lived a life marked by prayer, generosity, and humble service to others.

Family was Frances's greatest blessing and joy. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found her deepest happiness in caring for those she loved. Her home was always open, her table always full, and no one ever left hungry. She never missed a birthday or holiday, always sending a thoughtful card as a reminder of her love.

Frances enjoyed playing cards, traveling, visiting the casino, and spending time socializing with friends and family. She delighted in laughter and good conversation and had a quick wit that kept everyone smiling. Her home was filled with warmth and memories, along with her treasured collections of angels, thimbles, and pencil sharpeners, each lovingly displayed and reflecting her joyful spirit.

Frances is survived by her children: Karen (Ricky) Just, Jack (Leane) Schaffer, Geraldine (Darin) Horner, Debbie (Darwin) Dewald, Tony (Michelle) Schaffer, and Susan (Mark) Feist; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; and her brother, George (Luella) Schumacher. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack; her brothers Wilfred, Frank Jr., and Harry; and her parents, Frank and Caroline Schumacher.

Frances leaves behind a legacy of faith and family. Her gentle strength, generous heart, and steadfast devotion will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at South Central Health for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church Building Project in her honor.