Obituary of Melvin Schafer

It is with great sadness that the family of Melvin Schafer of Mankota announce his passing on June 27, 2023.

Melvin George Schafer was born on September 22, 1938. He was the oldest child born to Mathew and Barbara Schafer. Melvin grew up on the family farm in the Summercove District. He attended the Summercove School for his primary years. Melvin took his high school at Campion College in Regina. After completing his grade 12 he joined the workforce in the carpentry field. His first job was helping to build the elementary school in Mankota. He worked in the Mankota area and then became employed by Federated Co-op in construction. He traveled with this job and built Co-op stores in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. Melvin returned to Mankota and created his own construction company – Schafer Construction. He had many employees throughout the years, but the proudest point in his career was when his son Ryan worked alongside him. After his retirement, he was especially proud to know that Schafer Construction was passed on to his son, Ryan and his grandson, Cam.

Melvin married the love of his life Deanna, on April 23, 1962. They were blessed with three children, Ryan, Cynthia and Blaine. They were very involved in their children’s lives. Melvin and Deanna enjoyed working in the garden and they always created a beautiful garden and yard. Melvin was an animal lover and always had a dog (or 2) as his companion. He was an avid reader, usually reading a book a day!

Melvin passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023, at the Mankota Prairieview Health Centre with family by his side. A heartfelt thanks to the Health Centre staff for the exceptional care Melvin received. We are eternally grateful!

Melvin is predeceased by his wife Deanna, parents Mathew and Barbara Schafer, sister Rosemarie (Claude) Chabot, sister-in-law Henrietta Schafer,  father-in-law and mother-in-law Ab and Annette Smith.

He leaves to grieve his family, son Ryan (Roslyn) Schafer, grandson Cam (Loren) and great-grandson Nate, granddaughter Sarah (Ryan) Robillard; daughter Cynthia (Randy) Lamontagne, granddaughter Rachelle (Adam) Gilewicz, granddaughter Rebecca (Kelly Harper), granddaughter Danielle (Tyler Williams) and great-grandson Lincoln; son Blaine (Margaret) Schafer, grandchildren Kirsten, Regan and Caitlyn; brother Edward Schafer; brother-in-law Darcy (Loretta) Smith.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Mankota Cemetery on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 @ 2:00 p.m. with lunch and fellowship to follow at the Mankota Agricultural Hall. Memorial donations gratefully accepted to the Mankota and District Auxiliary (for the Prairie View Health Centre) P.O. Box 231 Mankota, SK SOH 2WO.