Dean Schafer

Dean R Schafer

Dean R Schafer, 64, of Saint Paul passed away on Oct 19th following a courageous 6 month battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by mother, Sheila Fitch and her husband John.

Survived by wife Camille, son Ben (Gaby) and daughter Violet. His father Paul (Sherry), Brothers Dan (Ann), Dave (LeeAnn), Cary Truman (Lisa) and sisters Diane (Tom), and Rachel Griebling (Bill), along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dean was an avid Boy Scout Volunteer filling many roles including parent volunteer, camp biscuits & gravy chef, Scout Master, and District Advancement Chair. Working in these roles allowed him to find great fulfillment and happiness through mentoring many scouts. A great sense of humor and a love for the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, were traits he proudly passed down to his children.

Dean was born with Gaucher's Disease, a rare genetic blood disorder. At four years old, resulting from his Gaucher's, he needed to have his spleen removed and after the surgery it seemed unlikely he would survive. In his teenage years, doctors predicted he would not live into his 20's and would be wheelchair bound. Knowing all this, Dean never expected to get married or to have children. Instead, he decided to be the fun trouble making uncle whenever possible, living each day to the fullest with the guardian angel he believed never left his side while knowing the odds were always against him.

Looking back over his 64-year life, he outlived every life expectancy prediction many times over and just did his best to enjoy every day he was given. Though he experienced pain and some slowing with age, a wheelchair was never needed, and he refused to let his condition limit the life he wanted to lead.

He not only earned a college degree but also a master's degree, building several successful careers over his lifetime. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he volunteered for many organizations that were important to him.

He had a 29-year marriage and was the father of two children he never thought he would have and took enormous pride in the wonderful successful adults they became. He traveled both domestically and internationally, including participating in an annual fall Wyoming hunting trip, a decades long tradition shared with his dad, brothers, friends, nephews and son. Countless hours were spent fishing, hiking, camping and enjoying nature.

He had an extremely diverse and eclectic music taste which he passed down to his children. One of the first points of connection with his future wife was that she knew who Adam Ant was. He attended EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin many times throughout his life and brought both his children along to share his love of aviation with them.

He became an amazing, adventurous, and messy cook who was willing to try almost anything. Later in life he picked up a passion for smoking meat on his Traeger and loved sharing his creations with his family. Any leftover meat would be addressed with the question "will it hash?" and a new breakfast combination would be born.

Above all he was always ready to step up and lend a hand to family or friends alike when needed. With all that he was told he would never be, what an amazing life he lived.

Job well done my dear husband, father, son, brother and friend, what a difference you have made in so many lives.

A special thanks to the doctors and staff at the MHealth Fairview Woodbury Cancer Center for the compassionate and supportive care they gave Dean during his cancer journey.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Childhood Catholic Church (1435 Midway Pkwy) on Tuesday, October 28 at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the National Gauchers Foundation.