Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Joan Schaefer
Joan Marie Schaefer, age 54, of Fargo, ND passed away peacefully under the care of Sanford Hospice on December 21, 2020. She was also comforted by family in her final days.
Joan was born on January 1, 1966 in New Rockford, ND. 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 her current job 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 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, ND; brothers Greg (Teresa) Schaefer, Minneapolis, MN; Brad (Leslie) Schaefer, Grand Junction, CO; Monty (Tori) Schaefer Carrington, ND; Doug Schaefer, Fargo, ND; and sister Susan (Tim) Hanson, Fargo ND. 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.
Her Visitation will be Wednesday, December 30, 2020, from 9:00AM-3:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford.
Visitation will continue from 6:00PM-7:00PM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Fargo, ND, followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00PM.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10:00AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford, ND.
Her Burial will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford.
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To the family of Joan Schaefer. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Joan was a fearless leader in many years. The Schaefer has always went above and beyond when it came to farness and leadership. May you find comfort know that Joan is shinning her light in heaven just the way she always did on this earth.
God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Our condolences go out to the Schaefer family. May Joan rest in eternal Peace. Our thoughts and Prayers are with Aunt Darlene and all Joan’s siblings during this time of sorrow. May God Bless everyone.
Dear Darlene, siblings, family and friends, Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of the above. Joan was my first cousin and I remember so well when they came to Mom and Dads. Heaven certainly gained an angel. Cherish all the good memories you had with Joan. God Bless. Penny and Leon ( Riedesel) Mindt
We are so sorry to hear about Joan. She was a wonderful young woman when we knew her as teachers in New Rockford. We are remembering you in our prayers. Will and Betty Hanson
To the family of Joan,
Please know that your Vincentian family grieves at your death. We lost a true Vincentian in heart, mind and spirit! My six-year term of working with you was a gift. My life was gifted by your calm presence in the middle of the tyrannical times we endured together. Your spirit lifted me always. I considered you a great friend and confidante. You will be sorely missed by myself and other Vincentians.
May God bless your family with the gift of memories, love of family and friends and Vincentians!! and May God give them PEACE of hearts, minds and souls.
Lovingly,
Jeanne
I will miss Joan, my heart hurts, I know her at St. Vincent De Paul….So many fun days with Joan…..Love Wanda…and your bright eyes…
Our thoughts and prayers to the Schaefer Family. One more soul in Heaven to guide us on our earthly Journies. Rest in Peace Joan.
Roger and Mary Larson
Richard and I are so sorry to hear of Joan’s death. She was a very special person with a heart of gold. Her kindness touched everyone. May her memories bring the family comfort, and may God and his angel Joan watch over you. Hugs and prayers!
To Joan’s family, We were sad to hear of Joan’s passing. She was a great neighbor and friend. I can’t remember how many times we would be standing in the alley chatting away and finally realize that it was getting near supper time and there was a meal to be made. She always wore a smile even when you knew she had problems of her own but would listen to anybody that needed to be heard. Rest in peace Joan and our sympathy to all her family, relatives, and friends.
Our deepest sympathy. Heaven has gained another angel. Sending hugs Darlene. Thinking of all the Schaefer’s as they say their final goodbyes.
Love Neil, Ann and Dan Heiden
Merry Christmas sweetie,we will miss your smile here on earth. Our families will always seem as one.I wish I was as strong a person as you. You made everyone feel important and Loved🙏
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. My prayers and condolences to the family.
I have so many wonderful memories of her from the years at the theater and at the school both as a student and colleague. Always so helpful and friendly.
Rest in peace.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to Joan’s Family and all her friends. Joan was a very special person who always had time for you when needed. I want to especially thank her for all the help with all of my records questions while at the Police Department all of those years. I also want to thank her for being there for me when I needed a friendly ear as well. She was always so supportive and a caring soul. God Bless you Joan and may you rest in God’s Paradise for eternity.
Schaefer Family,
Sincere thoughts and prayers to each of you.
Joan was such a nice person with a beautiful smile when I would see her at church in NR with Darlene.
Heaven did gain an angel.
Dear Schaefer family – Joan was like a big sister to me. She has meant the world to my family and I. I won’t be able to come to ND to see her off due to this crazy virus but my heart will be there with my you through my mom and son, Tyler. Hugs to you all.