Daniel Marcellus Schaaf, 71 years of age – husband, father, grandpa, and friend passed away in North Platte, NE December 30, 2018 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He
was born February 17, 1947 in Norfolk, NE to Marjorie (Hansen) and Marcellus Schaaf.
Dan’s youth was spent in O’Neill, NE. In 1966 he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in O’Neill. In 1969 he enlisted and served his country as a United States Marine until 1971 and was a Vietnam War veteran. Oorah. He earned a Bachelor of Science at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA in 1972 and completed a Master of Science in 1984 from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He worked as a horticulturist for 45 years at the University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center. A highlight of Dan’s horticulture career was researching penstemon with the American Penstemon Society in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Dan was known for his faith in God, his love of family, his faithful friendship, and unwavering appetite for Dr. Pepper, ice cream, coconut macaroons, and jelly bellies. He loved Scripture and was enthused to hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judie Zelfer Schaaf. His oldest daughter, Heidi, lives in Omaha, NE with husband Ben Gilbert and daughters Elle, Emily, and Edison. His second daughter, Jayna Schaaf, and husband Cameron Craig, live in North Platte, NE. His son, Joel Schaaf, lives in Bellevue, NE, and youngest daughter, Danielle, lives in Colorado Springs, CO with husband Dustin Savage and three children, Duke, Finnley, and Evi. Other survivors include sisters Dianne Hilger of David City, NE, Cathy Grutsch of Eagle River, AK, Yvonne White of Fort Calhoun, NE, his brothers Marcellus Schaaf of Anchorage, AK and Joseph Schaaf of Lake in the Hills, IL.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lauren Schaaf.
His family will miss his memorable laughter but are left with loving memories of “the Station”, learning how to change car oil, and appreciation of nature and adventure.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Women’s Resource Center of North Platte, NE, United States Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation, or Hope Lodge of Omaha, NE. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday January 8, 2019; Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday January 9, 2019 both at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as Celebrant. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.