Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Obituary: Joan Schaefer

Joan Marie Schaefer, age 54, of Fargo, N.D. passed away peacefully under the care of Sanford Hospice on Dec. 21, 2020. She was also comforted by family in her final days.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 at St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford, N.D. Burial was held at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford. Fr. Courtright, Fr. Ermer and Fr. Weber officiated with special music by Annette Hovey. Casket bearers were Andrew Schaefer, Jack Schaefer, Benjamin Schaefer, William Douglas, Leonard Jacobson and Dan Shroyer.

Joan was born on Jan. 1, 1966 in New Rockford, N.D. She was the fifth child and first daughter of James and Darlene Schaefer.

Joan graduated from New Rockford Central School in 1984 and from Moorhead State University four years later. Joan taught school in California before returning to New Rockford to work in the school as a substitute and classroom teacher.

Joan married Todd Georgeson in February 1990. They later divorced. Joan worked as the Eddy County Superintendent of Schools for several years. She also enjoyed working with Larry Schagunn in the Eddy County Sheriff's office during that time. Joan later moved to Fargo, taking a position within the Fargo Police Department. She was dedicated to her work and to the officers and staff of the department.

Joan became active at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo. Her passion became serving and helping others as well as taking on several roles within the church and Catholic community in Fargo. She was always ready with a smile on her face to help others in any way she could. Joan did not like to talk about herself or take credit for her positive influence in so many people's lives. Her humble, quiet resolve and determination touched many people throughout the years, many of whom have shared stories of what Joan did for them that they would never forget. Her faith was deep, committed, loving and a source of strength in difficult times.

In 2019, Joan began her journey with incurable cancer. She approached this chapter of her life with faith, hope and acceptance, wanting to continue with her work at the police department and with St. Anthony's parish life. Her "bucket list" was to keep living each day helping and serving others, which she did until her final days.

Joan is survived by her mother, Darlene Daugherty, New Rockford, N.D.; brothers Greg (Teresa) Schaefer, Minneapolis, Minn.; Brad (Leslie) Schaefer, Grand Junction, Colo.; Monty (Tori) Schaefer, Carrington, N.D.; Doug Schaefer, Fargo, N.D.; and sister Susan (Tim) Hanson, Fargo N.D. She is also survived by many cherished extended family members, coworkers and friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her father James W. Schaefer, step-fathers, Tollef Skaar and Elder Daugherty as well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

We will all greatly miss Joan's ever-present smile, laughter and her example of faith, love, kindness and charity. Memorials in Joan's name can be sent to St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo.

Joan's family would like to extend heartfelt thank you to all who provided Joan care, prayers and support during her final journey, including Sanford Hospice, St Anthony of Padua Church, the Fargo Police Department and others. A special thank you to Fr. James Ermer for being a friend, mentor and spiritual brother to Joan for so many years.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of Carrington, N.D.

 
 
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