Earle William Schafer, 88

Earle William Schafer died days short of his 89th birthday on Dec. 6, 2010, in The Dalles, Ore.

He was the second of four children born to John and Arabella (Moore) Schafer near Calvin, N.D. on Dec. 23, 1921.

He graduated salutatorian from Calvin High in 1939. He was attending Dickinson Teachers College in North Dakota until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps.

He became engaged to Wanelda Crockett of Wales, N.D., and transferred to Hamline College in St. Paul, Minn., where they both attended college until World War II interrupted his studies. “Winnie” traveled to Twentynine Palms Air Force Base in California to marry him on Nov. 27, 1943. They traveled across the U.S. for his training until he shipped out for England.

First Lt. Schafer was the pilot of a B-17 and flew 35 missions in three months; all of his crew came back alive. He flew with the 306th Bomb Group out of Thurleigh, England, and was there during the Battle of the Bulge.

Earle returned to Dickinson Teachers College to finish his Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his Masters of Education from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Mr. Schafer was a teacher, coach and school administrator for 45 years in four states, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Oregon.

After retiring they moved to Big Arm, where they finally built their own house. Twenty plus years in one place! Flathead Lake provided awesome scenery, wonderful people and proximity to “Winnie’s” relatives.

Earle was an active member of the Polson Presbyterian church where he was an ordained elder and served on several committees. He served as the treasurer for the Big Arm Association after “Winnie” nominated him. They really got involved and made many dear friends.

 Due to declining health they moved to The Dalles to be nearer family in 2008.

He is survived by his daughter, Dawn McClure, of The Dalles; sons, Lynn Schafer of Seaside, Ore., and Kim and Linda Schafer of The Dalles; six grandchildren, Shawn and Deny Schafer, Corey and Jake Sexton, Logan and Adrienne Schafer, Chelsea Shaw, and Karlee and Zackery Schafer; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Zelda, and Irvin Rinas of Egeland, N.D.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanelda, of 65 years; parents; and brothers, Edwin and Jack Schafer.

A memorial will be held in The Dalles on Feb. 5.

Memorials at Big Arm and Polson Presbyterian Church will be held in the spring.