Herbert Shafer, 77, Garrison, formerly of Roseglen, died on Friday, October 05, 2012, at a Garrison nursing home. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 am at the Garrison Church of God. Burial will be at the Ryder Cemetery. Fellowship will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Ryder following graveside services.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 to 7 at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.

Herbert was born December 9, 1934 to Jesse and Hallie (Erb) Shafer on the family farm near Roseglen, ND. He was raised on the farm and educated in rural schools and graduated from Ryder High School in 1952. He stayed on the farm and helped his dad until the early 1960's.

Herbert married Donna Schmidt on January 24, 1965 in Tioga, ND. They moved back to the farm in 1967 and started their family while raising small grains and cattle. While farming, Herb also had a side job welding. He was well known for his strong welds and exact work. Herb retired from farming in 1991. They remained on the farm and Herb worked for Cenex in Ryder for a number of years.

Herb was very active in the local communities. He served many capacities on many boards including, president of the North Shore School Board, Farmer's Union in Roseglen, and Farmer's Union Oil Board, and the Makoti Thrashers, which he was also instrumental in keeping alive. He was also a supervisor on the township board, a member of the McLean County Weed Board, and was secretary/treasurer of the Hiddenwood Old Settlers. In his spare time he did work with the Gideon's and MEY Club.

Herb was a man of strong faith. He was a lay person at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Ryder, where he served communion and was clerk of session. He believed every morning should include reading scripture; a trait which he passed down to his children. Herb's greatest love was music. He had a truly wonderful voice and was able to share his faith and gift with countless people throughout the years. He sang at weddings and funerals, special events, and even competitions. He also had the privilege of singing with his wife Donna for many years. Herb's efforts and musical gifts will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Herb is survived by his wife, Donna, Garrison, children, Rodney (Ellen) Shafer, and their children, Ethan and Angus Herbert Shafer, Fargo, Tyler Shafer, Fargo, Kristine Shafer, Denver, CO; brother-in-law (raised as Herb's son), Kelly Schmidt and his son, Thomas Schmidt, Kenmare; brother, Jesse Shafer, Portland, OR; sisters, Carol LaFrance, Westhaven, Conn., and Opal Zimmer, Williston, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law, David and Helen Shafer, sister-in-law, Arlene Shafer, brothers-in-law, Howard LaFrance and Leonard Zimmer.