Adam Adelbert Schaf

Adam A. Schaf, 84, Bismarck, died Nov. 28, 2005, in a local hospital. Burial will be in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, with military honors by VFW Post 1326.

Adam was born June 16, 1921, to Philip and Frances (Hoffman) Schaf at Glen Ullin. Adam moved to the Solen area when he was 11 years old.

When he turned 18, he joined the CCC Camp, then enlisted into the U.S. Marines in June 1942. He served as a sergeant in the South Pacific until 1944, and was involved in the battle of the Midway Islands. Upon discharge, he lived in Cloverdale, Ore., where he worked as a mail carrier and worked on a dairy farm.

Adam returned to North Dakota in 1949. On May 21, 1952, he married Eileen Gilbertson in Bismarck. They lived on a ranch south of Solen for 45 years, raising 10 children. Adam did what he loved most, working the land, raising cattle and being with his kids and grandchildren. Adam and Eileen retired and moved to Bismarck in 1997.

Adam was active on the St. Bernard's Mission School Board, ASCS Board and the Selfridge Rural Fire Board. He also was an usher at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Fort Yates, for many years.

Adam will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He loved to play cards, read books, bowl and, especially, work with cattle. His gentle smile will never be forgotten.

Adam is survived by his wife, Eileen, Bismarck; his six sons, Jerry (Jackie), South Haven, Minn., Dave (Mary), Zeeland, Mich., Philip, Solen, Jim (Carmen), Hettinger, Daniel (Tammy), Grafton, and Robert (Jeanette), Center; three daughters, Carol Schaf, Bismarck, Jane (Bob) Heida, Morgan Hills, Calif., and Nancy (Dale) Leingang, Solen; 20 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Catherine (Steve) Hoffman, Aberdeen, S.D.; one brother, Wilfred, Washington; one sister-in-law, Margaret Schaf, Mandan; and one brother-in-law, John Bruggman, Fort Yates.

He was preceded in death by one son, Glenn; his parents; two brothers, John and Nick; and one sister, Helen.