EARLE and WANELDA SCHAFER

Earle and Wanelda Schafer have resided in Big Arm since 1988.

Earle William Schafer was born in 1921 in Calvin, ND.  His parents were 1st generation Americans with German & Scottish/English heritage.  Earle was educated in Calvin then went on to State Teachers College in Dickenson, ND.   In 1943 he married long time friend Wanelda Angela Crockett - and -  yes, Davey was a relative!

Wanelda was born in 1923 in Wales, ND.  Her parents were also 1st generation Americans with Scottish & English heritage.  Wanelda was educated in Minto, ND and completed 2 years of University Nursing training when war intervened.

In 1943 Earle was called to serve his country and became a First Lieutenant in the Air Force as a B17 Bomber pilot.  Earle & the 306 Squadron were sent to England in 1944 where he piloted 35 bombing missions in 90 days without losing any of his crew or equipment.   His crew thought him to be the best pilot in the squadron.  After the war Earle completed his education and received his Masters in Education & Administration.  He taught in Killdeer, ND; Condon, MT; Circle, MT; Jerome, ID; and 23 years in the schools of Oregon.  At Hysham, MT in 1956 he was promoted to Superintendent of Schools and served in many districts his last being in Circle, MT in 2001 when he finally retired.

They have 3 children, 1945 Dawn McClure (Gresham, OR), 1949 Lynn Schafer (Gresham, OR), and 1954 Tim Schafer (The Dells, OR).

They are both very active in their church and the BAA. Earle still tutors children and Wanelda loves to take classes in China painting.