Leo Anthony Schaefer Sr., 83

Leo passed Nov. 6, 2020, after a short battle with COVID-19 exacerbated by asbestosis.

He was born and raised on a farm in the small town of Rhame, North Dakota. Along with his siblings, Leo attended parochial school and to help pay for room and board he worked as a candy striper. This began his education in the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and ethics.

Leo enlisted in the Navy Dec. 8, 1955, proudly serving until his honorable discharge Dec. 11, 1967, as an ensign 3. During his service, he was stationed on the USS Warwick. Upon his discharge, he was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two letters of commendation from the USS Dynamic. Leo also enjoyed spending time at the USO where he met the love of his life, Anne. Two months later they were married enjoying 44 1/2 years together and proudly raising their 12 children until Anne’s untimely death

After the Navy, Leo worked for the Seattle-based company, SeaLand for 27 years of hard labor as a mechanic until his retirement in 1998. In 2001, Leo moved with Anne to Miles City, Montana. Leo lastly settled in Kalispell, enjoying his family, grandchildren, and friends from St. Matthew’s along with the Knights of Columbus.

Leo was a proud, dedicated member of the Knight of Columbus for 42 years including 33 years as a Fourth Degree Knight. He was always there stepping up whenever help was needed.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Anne, and their son Leo Schaefer Jr.

He is survived by his second wife, Marlis Neisinger and his 11 children, Kateri Reeves, Paul Schaefer (Dana), Jerome Schaefer (Donna), Gregory Schaefer (Traci), Kenneth Schaefer (Toni), Nichole Snow (Frank), Jacob Schaefer, Dominic Schaefer (Tina), Ronald Schaefer (April), Megan Hoskin (Jeremy), Thomas Schaefer (Heather), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at St. Matthew’s Church on Dec. 3, beginning with the rosary at 11:30 a.m. followed by the celebration of life at 12:10 p.m. For the safety and health concerns of all attendees, masks are required. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated since no one may attend without a mask. Seating is limited in the church with a livestream as an option. For information contact Megan Hoskin via text (253) 514-2724 or email meganhoskin24@gmail.com.