Gerald (Jerry)(Shifty) Eugene Schaefer, age 79, passed away on July 17, 2023, at Rosebud Health Care in Forsyth, Montana after battling heart disease for 40 years. Services will be held at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth on Thursday, July 27,2023, at 2:00 p.m.
Gerald was born on July 28, 1943, to Eilene (Harris) and Walter Schaefer in Bowman, North Dakota. His mom said, “He was a pretty good little feller.” He started school in Rhame, North Dakota for the first year and a half, then went to Harper Township school for six and a half years. He then returned to Rhame and graduated in 1961. One of the most favorite stories about Gerald’s high school shenanigans was when he had his feet out in the aisle in the classroom and tripped the teacher as she walked by. Someone had rolled out a roll of toilet paper on the floor…..was it Gerald? She walked down the rows, and as she went by Gerald kicked her in the butt. This of course got him sent to the principal’s office immediately!! When the principal asked him what they should do about this situation, Gerald’s smart remark was, “I think you should FIRE HER!” Consequently, Gerald was expelled for several days!
Gerald worked around the Rhame area and went into the United States Army from March 6, 1963, to March 5, 1965. Then he “goofed around” for a while and went to Sonora, California for a year. Gerald went back home to Rhame and bought the local CCC bar which he owned for 2 years. It is now called the Waterhole. He worked on the railroad tie gang from Lemmon, South Dakota to Terry, Montana. After attending school in Wahpeton, North Dakota for three years, he received a plumbing degree. From there he moved to Forsyth, Montana in April of 1973 and worked for Ernie Post for six and a half years, and for Al Critelli for one and a half years. He then went out on his own and worked until in “his words”… he got OLD, and then… “kind of quit.”
He married Marilan Schmeling on January 24, 1970, in Golva, North Dakota at the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. They had three children: Jay, Jo, and Jodi Schaefer. He was very proud of his children and had lots of fun with them. He also had many good times with his special friend, Holly Negaard. Gerald was an avid hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed gardening. He especially liked shooting prairie dogs with his great friends from Forsyth. He was a member of the Forsyth Fire Department for 25 years. Gerald was known for his wittiness, his smirky grin, his twinkling eyes, and his rare sense of humor. He also liked to flirt and tease with the pretty girls.
Gerald is survived by his three children; Jay Schaefer, North Pole, Alaska; Jo (Jo Jo) Schaefer, Laurel, Montana, and Jodi Schaefer from Billings, Montana. His older brother, James (Donna) Schaefer, Beulah, North Dakota, Les (Lynette) Schaefer, Rhame, North Dakota, Terry (Nancy) Schaefer, Bowman, North Dakota. Sisters; Brenda (Gene) Davis, Rhame, North Dakota, and Marlys (Duane) Hendrickson, Parker, Colorado. Several nieces and nephews that loved him dearly and his special grandchildren, Rayla, Maddi, Owen, and great granddaughter JJ. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eilene (Harris) Schaefer, and his father, Walter Schaefer.
A special thank you to Veterans Affairs for the many years of care and kindness given to our dad. Also, to his many caring and kind friends who have helped him in so many ways on his journey through life.
PS: “Gerald, turn that damn TV down!”
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m,.
Thursday July 27, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m,.
Thursday July 27, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Mike Ferguson says
So sad .so sorry ,tons of great memories with Shifty.
Jack and Beverly Nile says
RIP Schaefer, we know you will be hunting, fishing and enjoying a beer or two. You will be missed dearly.
Charles DeCock says
So hard to see him leave us but it was his time. Our sympathy goes out to all his family. Rest in peace my friend.
Bill and Deb Anderson says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a one of a kind with a heart of gold. He is a friend that is not replaceable.
Joby Parker says
Dear Jo, Jay and Jody,
Deepest sympathy to you! Your dad was one of the best. He will be missed by so many people here in Forsyth. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless!
Bill and Joby Parker
Pam Shelton says
To the Schaefer Family I was sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Thinking of you all.
Sammi Renfro says
I was so saddened to hear about Gerry’s passing. He was such a kind soul. He will surely be missed, may he rest in peace. My condolences go to his family.
Connie Brown says
Jay, Jo and Jodi,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, he was quite the guy. If he has a plumbing job in heaven I would bet he is searching some other cloud looking for some tool. He will definitely keep others laughing. Remember the good times!
Krishna says
Our sincere condolences to “Schifty” Schaefer’s family.
We have been privileged getting to know all of you and witness your love for a father and brother.
I’ll miss my buddy, always causing a ruckus and acting innocent.
Drive free, and enjoy some ice cold beers, my friend!
John Rhode says
My Condolences to the Schaefer family, words cant describe the loss of such a honorable Gem. I live in Northern Michigan, I have had the greatest honor of meeting Schifty back in 2017 while Hunting in the area, ive been coming out to Forsyth area for quite awhile. After meeting him at the local watering holes one evening. He had asked me two questions…. Your from Michigan…”Are you lost”?? And “why are you drinking that beer so fast”??? …. Dont they have beer where your from!! Instantly i found a long lost friend or grandfather in him. I made sure the past seasons that I would visit him. RIP old timer. Fly high
Robert Wyckoff says
My Condolences to the Schaefer family, sure enjoyed the fishing trips to Ingamar on Wednesday nights. Turkey hunting at Ashland.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Mia Mintz says
Jay, Jo and Jody,
I am so sorry for your loss! I have many good memories of Gerald. For awhile, I couldn’t tell if he was teasing. I soon learned that he was always teasing, a little. 🙂 He will be missed! ❤️
Tracie Jones and Nancy Buzard says
To all of Jerry’s family….
I’m so saddened to know that he is no longer with us, but also to know that he will no longer be in pain will be a blessing. Jerry was always kind to me and always a good friend to my mom, Nancy Buzard. She just told him the other day she has a good picture of them sitting by the cannon on Easter, and he said, “yep, I remember that day”!
Please know that our thoughts are with you and all who loved him.
Kileen Hagadone says
I truly enjoyed the over 30 years of harrassment frim Jerry! He was quite a guy and will be dearly missed by all ! He was truly one in a million!
John Stevens says
Jay, Jo,Jodi, We all will miss your Dad, he reminded me of my dad allot, and he always brought alot of laughter wherever he went and would help anyone out with anything that he could. The 50 years that I new your dad he always was smiling we will all miss him rest in Pease Jerry old friend we will meet back up in heaven buddy!!!!. Me and all my family and friends send our great thoughts and prayers your way at this time of your loss, luv ya John..
Butch Schulenberg says
He was quite the Guy. No one was a stranger to Him , AS everyone who wrote in here said He was likable and in My words a real bullshiter. He was a joy to be around and I Loved His kids. Very special. Rest in peace Gerald 🙏
Bob Turner says
JoJo I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was one tough hombre! So much fun to be with! I’ll never forget shooting prairie dogs with him or driving in the snow with him and our pal Money. They don’t make ‘em like your dad any more.
Troy & Angie Hobscheidt says
We are so sorry for your loss! We were blessed to get to know your dad through out the years. We have great memories with him and your family. We smile just thinking of all the fun times we had. May you all find comfort in knowing he lived a great life and his memory will live on through you 3. Thoughts and prayers for all of you!
Sharon Wetsch says
Jay, Jo and Jodi,
I’m so sorry your Dad passed. He was such a special person. I still remember when my hot water heater started spewing water one morning. I called Jerry and he came right over. Poor guy the look on his face was priceless. I had my robe on, a towel around my hair and a green mask smeared on my face. He teased me about that incident for a long time. He was the instigator of many shenanigans . He was so proud of all of you.. Hold his memories close- he will be misse💕
Janice Watson says
To Jerry’s family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good guy and will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you.
Linda Wedel says
JoJo, You have been so heavy on my mind and in my heart. I know how very much you loved your Father.
I loved meeting him and all the great stories and laughs you two shared with Rod and I.
So sorry.
Doug Corwin says
Am sorry to hear about Gerald’s passing.
We did attend grade school at Harper for several years and also at Rhame High School.
Good times riding horses and hunting Jackrabbits.
My son and I had a good visit with Gerald in Forsyth, several years ago when we were passing through.
Also some of those Rhame Gala Days, were a good reunion with Gerald & others.
Good to see everyone else, when back in Rhame.
Collene Hill says
The Schaefer children:
So Sorry to hear about your fathers passing. He was a great person always with a smile. You will miss him, but remember all the good times you had with him it will softer the hurt.
monty erickson says
Gerald’s family ; he was a good man and a fun man Irene and I will miss him and his wit was friends of Irenes aunt and uncle in Rahme ND and we knew him for a long time will miss him God be with you Gerald
Catherine Byron says
Jay, Jo, and Jodi –
Your Dad was one in a million! He was so kind hearted and would put the needs of a friend before his own comfort. He did just that when I asked him to replace our sewer line to the alley. Little did I realize what a big job it would turn out to be! May you find comfort in knowing that many of us share your loss. He was a remarkable human being. He will be missed greatly by all in our family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you through the days ahead.
Darcy Corbin says
Gerry was one of a kind and will be missed by us all. He has touched the lives of many, and been loved by many near and far! He did it his way, and that’s the only way to do it. We will all take a little bit of him with us on our own journey’s down life’s back roads and riverbanks. To his family, I know you will miss him most, and I am sorry for your loss. Please know he was loved in this life by us all.
Cindy Stanton says
Dear Grandpa Jerry……rest in peace, my friend. You were so much fun to hang out with. Thanks for all the good times and great hugs. I’ll see you again some day soon.
Ron Stenkamp says
My condolences to all. Gerald what a fun-loving cousin. He and Maxine and Joe (my parents) had great times together. And my sister and I still comment on a particular evening with Gerald and Leslie in the Rhame bar.
Donald John and Alice Cameron says
Condolences to Gerald’s family. Hated to hear this sad news. He was most certainly a 1 of a kind.
Dick and Cindy Sterns says
Sorry to hear about Gerry we had some fun times in the past. Our condolences to Jay, JoJo, and Jody.
Audrey Haumschild says
RIP Jerry . Had lots of good memories of time hanging out with you.
Rod Hendricks says
Jay jo Jodi
Sorry to hear about your dad. He Definately was one of a kind! Funny witty and sincere … was always happy to see ya when he did… smiles laughter n jokes was his style… he will be missed
Rod Hendricks
Flying H Express
Chuck & Della Hansen says
It broke our hearts when we learned that Jerry had passed away. It even more painful that we learned about it after the funeral so we could not attend and show our respect for our very good friend. We will always remember the great times we had hunting, fishing and card games with him and Holly. I remember one fishing trip when Gerald got caught with one fish over the limit. He told the Game Warden that he could have that extra fish. After he paid the fine, he made the statement that if you average out all the times he didn’t get caught, it was pretty cheap. Any way sorry we weren’t able to be at the funeral for you kids. JoJo, Jay, & Jody (Buzzy) He was a great guy. Buckle up heaven you are in for a treat. Chuck & Della Hansen