Eleonore Schaaf

Funeral Mass for Eleonore "Nora" Schaaf, 77, of Devils Lake, ND, will be 11:00 a.m. CST Friday, May 15, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glen Ullin, ND with Father Gary Benz celebrating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, with the Rosary taking place at 10:30 a.m.

Eleonore "Nora" Eva Schaaf, a loving wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society, Lakota, ND.

Nora was raised in Dunn Center, ND. There, she attended grade school and graduated from Killdeer High School in 1967. After graduating, she attended Dickinson State University where she earned her teaching degree. During that time, she met the love of her life, Rick Schaaf, and the two were united in marriage on July 29, 1972. Together they raised their four children and made their home throughout North Dakota, but primarily living in Killdeer, Walhalla, and Devils Lake.

Nora dedicated more than 35 years of her life to education, a profession she was very passionate about. She was a caring and involved teacher, who made a lasting impact on countless students. She deeply valued the friendships formed throughout her years in education. In addition, she was a talented and accomplished grant writer, earning several awards for her work. Nora took pride in her years working as a head cook in Medora, a place and experience she always held close to her heart.

Nora enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She loved cooking for those she cared about, challenging herself with word games, never backing down from a game of Scrabble (which she often won), and reading a good book. Above all else, her greatest joy and focus was her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson brought immense happiness and pride to her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She always had an ear to lend and words of advice, encouragement, and comfort for everyone she cared for. Those words will echo in her memory and will be heartfully missed.

Nora is survived by her husband of nearly 54 years, Rick Schaaf; her four children, Lisa, Cathy, Naomi and Ray; her grandchildren, Marek, Silas, Tyler, Taylor, Emery, Elliot, Evie, Eva, and Dane; her great-grandson, Tatum; and her sister, June (Mike) Schmidt.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Valentina Klein; her father, Anthony Saetz; her infant sister, Loraine Ann; and her son-in-law, Jeremy Rosales.