Gerald “Jerry” Schaf of died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at his Fair Haven home, surrounded by the love and care of his family. 
A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Jerry will be held from 2-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with a ceremony to share stories at 3 p.m. Interment will be in the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, N.D., at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Gerald Allen John Schaf was born Feb. 4, 1951, in Bismarck, N.D., the eldest of 10 chilren, to Adam and Eileen (Gilbertson) Schaf. Jerry lived an active life, growing up on a cattle ranch in Solen, N.D.; some of his favorite memories included the time he spent ranching. He attended high school in Fort Yates, graduating in 1969. Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He married Shelly Engel, and they had two sons, Don and Nick. They later divorced. Jerry met his life partner Jackie Whitters, and he became a father figure to her children Tammy, Scott and Becky. Together they made their house a home, and blended their families. Jerry and Jackie celebrate almost 36 years together. For more than 45 years, Jerry was a boilermaker.
Jerry’s passion for fishing, woodworking, welding, and birdwatching were only surpassed by his love for his family. Gerald cherished moments spent with Jackie, their kids, as well as his cherished grandchildren. His talent in making wooden toys for his 13 grandchildren brought smiles and laughter to all. Jerry became a born-again Christian in the last months of his life. He will be missed by his family, but they know they will see him again.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Glen and Phillip, and grandson Hunter Moen.
He is survived by the love-of-his-life partner Jackie Whitters of Fair Haven; children Don Schaf of Mandan, N.D., Tammy (and Jason) French of West Concord, Minn., Scott (and Stephanie) Whitters of St. Cloud, Nick Schaf of Fair Haven, and Becky (and Steve) Dominie of West Concord; 13 grandchildren: Samantha, Luke, Brett, Chaz, Lexi, James, Jayde, Maverick, Morgan, Skyler, Sequoia, Aiyanna, and Cheyton, and 10 great-grandchildren; siblings David Schaf, Jim (and Carmen) Schaf, Dan (and Tammy) Schaf, Robert (and Jeanette) Schaf, Jane (and Robert) Heide, Carol Rosinski, and Nancy (and Dale) Leingang; nieces, nephews other family members, and friends.