Harold 'Hal' Schafer, 95

Hal Schafer of Columbia Falls passed away Jan.17, 2019, at the age of 95.

He was born in Kalispell on May 27, 1923. He was raised in the Kalispell area until enlisting in the U.S. Marines in 1942 after the entry of the United States into World War II.

Hal took part in the battles for Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Saipan, where he was badly injured. After spending 18 months in the hospital recovering from his wounds in San Diego, Hal decided to stay in the area where he met his wife Donna and resided in that area until retiring from his job as a U.S. Post Office mail carrier in 1984. Hal loved and missed Montana, so upon retirement moved with Donna to Columbia Falls where they resided until his passing.

He was an avid fisherman, antique collector and golfer.

Hal is survived by his wife Donna, brother Elmer, son Gordon, daughter-in-law Jackie, grandchildren Miranda and Rhiannon, six great-grandchildren and numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Gus Schafer, mother Amber Nelson, and brother Art Schafer.

A graveside service will take place at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.