Darwin Schaefer

A funeral Mass for Darwin Schaefer, 64, of Dickinson will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England with Father Gary Benz celebrating. Burial will follow at Havelock Cemetery.


Visitation for Darwin will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p.m.


Darwin passed away Thursday, May 10, 2018 at University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN.


Darwin was born October 16, 1953 in Dickinson, the son of Keaton and Arlene (Thielman) Schaefer. He grew up on the family farm southeast of New England and attended rural grade school near the farmstead. Darwin went on to attend St. Mary’s in New England; graduating with the class of 1971.


Darwin was blessed with his first daughter, Tara, in 1974. June 10, 2006, on a cold summer day, he married the love of his life, Colleen Sadowsky at Lake Tschida. Darwin loved her three children as his own. Together they lovingly made many memories with their 12 grandchildren.


Darwin was an avid sports fan and faithfully followed his beloved Chicago Bears, Bulls, and White Sox. Darwin enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing with his sons, Michael and Charlie. Hunting trips were always an adventure as Michael was ready at the crack of dawn, excited to go with Darwin, and Charlie seemed to run just a little late. Darwin could often be found playing poker, cribbage, and pinochle, and looked forward to spending time on cruises and trips to the casinos with family and friends. He loved watching all of the grandchildren’s sports and school activities. His grandchildren said he made the best chocolate chip cookies ever. Darwin was lovingly referred to as a “Big Teddy Bear” to all that knew him.


Darwin is survived by his wife, Colleen; mother, Arlene Schaefer of New England; children, Tara (Dan LaCoursiere) Schaefer of Minneapolis MN, Jenn (Jay) Wandler of Dickinson, Charlie (Ashley) Gawryluk of Dickinson, and Michael (Charee) Gawryluk of Dickinson; grandchildren, Darwin, Basil, Jayli, Jenna, Jorja, Jack, Taylor, Chase, Alex, Morgana, Jory, and Ryder; siblings, Kevin (Marlene) Schaefer of New England, David (Sandy) Schaefer of Dickinson, Lynn (Pat) Conmy of Bismarck, Rick (Reyne) Schaefer of Dickinson, Lavonne (Ron) Tormaschy of Dickinson, Dan (Jennifer Davis) Schaefer of Bismarck, Rod (Coleen) Schaefer of Phoenix, AZ, Gary (Susan) Schaefer of Dickinson, Ken (Linda) Schaefer of Dickinson, and Jared (Diana) Schaefer of Dickinson; and many nieces and nephews.


Darwin was preceded in death by his father, Keaton Schaefer.




Schaefer Darwin


Burial Date: May 17, 2018
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass:  10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2018, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England, ND
Rosary & Vigil Service:  7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2018, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND