Published March 27, 2024 at 12:21 PM  Grand Forks Herald

Mark Alan Schafer passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2024 in his Florida home. He was born on December 5th, 1955 in Stockton California, the son of Thomas L. and Barbara L. Schafer.

His passion in life was carpentry, he owned Schafer Construction for many years before proudly passing it to his oldest son, Lucas. Up to his death he was still enjoying his carpentry skills by completely remodeling his home in Florida. When he wasn’t working he enjoyed the outdoor life of hunting, fishing, yard work and tending to his garden. Mark married his High School sweetheart, Denice Burke, on April 8th, 1978 in Grand Forks, ND. They later had 4 children together and were married 31 years before Denice lost her battle to cancer. He made the decision to move from his Grand Forks home to Florida in 2021 saying, “I’m am done with that cold weather”. He enjoyed the last few years staying warm in the Florida sunshine.

Mark is preceded in death by his Mother Barbara, Father Thomas and Wife Denice. He is survived by his 4 children Lucas (Michelle) Schafer of Grand Forks, Ellen (Brian) Olson of Buxton, Jacob Schafer of Grand Forks and Joshua (Rebecca) Schafer of Lincoln. His siblings, Steve Schafer of Colorado Spring, Bruce (Rana) Schafer of Gainesville, Paul Schafer of Grand Forks, James Schafer of Minneapolis, Ann (Ed) Melcher of Billings. He is also survived by his Grandchildren Taiylor, Mason, Avery, Bennet and Haven Schafer, Bryleigh and Kade Olson, Macy Schafer, Kayleen and Andrew, as well as many Nieces and Nephews.

There will be service at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks on April 12th, 2024. Visitation will be at 12:00pm, service at 1:00pm with a reception to follow at the church. We invite all family and friends to join us in honoring Mark’s life.