Rev. Dr. Benjamin Michael Schafer

Benjamin Michael Schafer was born to German parents, Phillip and Marie Schafer. Because of conditions in Russia, Ben’s father was conscripted into the Russian military and was released from service in 1906. Philip and his brother Mikel were urged to take their families and move to the US to avoid Russia’s crackdown on resident German families. Consequently they sailed from Hannovka Siberia, November of 1911, to make a new home for their families in the United States. Ben was born the 12th of 13 children, and entered school speaking only German. He was very bright and graduated from High School in Fargo Oklahoma several years early. Ben joined the military during WWII along with his brothers and served in Alaska as an Airplane engineer. He re-enlisted after the war and served 4 years in the Air force. Ben left the service to go into the ministry. He Graduated from Biola-Fuller Theological Seminary and was ordained as pastor in 4 churches during his lifetime. As was customary for the German community, Ben returned to Fargo Oklahoma to pastor the small church where his and his wife’s parents were for 2 years. Ben then went on to pastor at:

Free Cross Evangelical (Fresno, CA) (1959-1962)

Odessa German Congregational Church (Wash) (1962- 1976)

Lincoln Heights Congregational Church (Spokane) (1976-1990

Ben was a natural teacher and loved education. He was a lifetime student. He went on to complete a Doctorate in Theology, a BA, MA in History and finally became a PhD

candidate in Political Science/History. For Ben, research, writing, and speaking were the breath of life and he excelled at it. For the family, even summer vacations became travelogues to historical places, he would research, plan, teach, and marvel at standing on a civil war battlefield or walking through the ancient Anastazi ruins at Mesa Verde. As children, we lived history! Ben married Lydina Howeiler when he returned from WW II and they entered the ministry, dad teaching and mom leading a life she had asked God for; mother, pastor’s wife, and music - directing the choirs, playing piano, and singing.

They had 4 children, Benaya Lynn (Princess), Michael Anthony (Mikhail), Brian Ferrell (Brinney), Kimberly Sue (1/2 pint) Schafer, and raised them primarily in Odessa and Spokane Washington.

— "At the end of his life, Ben battled with the aftermath of several strokes and dementia. Whereas the disease did thankfully erase most memories of any losses his beloved Greenbay Packers may have experienced, it eventually also claimed his life."

— Ben lived with and was cared for by his son Brian with the help of his daughter Kim. (Because of this Ben was given the gift of growing old in his own home, which he cherished)

— "Bedside vigil was fueled by lively political conversation, background music of old gospel hymns and dad’s favorites “In the pines” and “Hang down your head Tom Dooley, … and the presence and prayers of each of his family."

(Dad was a recognized member and contributor to the Republican Party from birth! and was invited to the Inauguration of President Bush the 2nd.

Ben joins his wife, Sue, his parents and brothers and sisters in heaven. He leaves behind his memory to his four children, seven grandchildren, 8 great grand children and a universe of friends, colleagues/pastors and academics, and former church members in Christ. Visitation at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm. A celebration of Ben Schafer’s life will be held Sunday, January 15 at 2:00 pm in the Fireside room of the 1st Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar Street, Spokane, WA. Private Entombment at Greenwood Memorial Terrace. The family will be informally retiring to Molly’s Restaurant, after the ceremony. Dad had breakfast there, every day, 7 days a week, forever and we would like to express our appreciation to the owner and staff for creating this second home and community in our Dad and brother’s life.