Gretchen Marvel Schafer, 86, Bismarck, ND formerly of Underwood passed away July 27, 2021 at Sanford Health, Bismarck.  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 2, 2021 at the Bismarck Funeral Home Chapel.  Masks are required for the service.  A private family interment will be held in the Underwood Cemetery.

Gretchen was born September 5, 1934 in Mandan, ND the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Schleicher) Lahren.  She was raised and educated in Mandan, ND where she graduated from high school in 1952.  She married Arnold Schafer on October 23, 1953 in Underwood.  They farmed southwest of Underwood for more than 60 years.

She enjoyed catering for area businesses, baking and race walking.  Gretchen served on the McLean County Social Service Board and also on the Community Memorial Hospital Board in Turtle Lake.

Gretchen is survived by her husband, Arnold; her children, Monte (June) Schafer, Marty Schafer, Macy Schafer and Mary Conlon; her grandchildren, Jamie Conlon and Hailey Schafer (Lachlan Fithian-Zurn); her great granddaughter, Brynley Fithian-Zurn and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Jamie Marvel Schafer; six brothers and five sisters.