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Mass of Christian Burial for John Schaefbauer age 82 of Mobridge will be 11:00 AM Monday, January 27, 2020 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 4:00 PM the church with a rosary at 7:00 PM. John passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Huron Regional Hospital.

John was born on November 14, 1937 to August and Anna (Dynan) Schaefbauer in Herreid, South Dakota…and thus began John's infectious humor and thoughtfulness to the world around him. John grew up on the family farm with his eight siblings, where he helped his siblings with as many practical jokes as chores. He graduated at the top in his class—though only three—he still reminded us of being valedictorian. After finishing from Herreid High School, John enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Northhampton(CLC-1). John took his passion and Navy craft as a photographer into the business world after serving, retiring at the age of 76. On June 4, 1966, John married Alice (Chris) Christopherson and started their family in Mobridge. Many in the community remember John's quick wit, kindness and jovial manner from the Montgomery Ward store that he operated in Mobridge. Others know John from his photography around the Midwest—bouncing balls, creating funny sound effects, capturing smile-after-smile and always bringing home Oreo cookies, squeeze cheese and chocolate stars from his long trips.

Husband, Superdad, Grandpa, Uncle, Businessman, Photographer, Cribbage Player, Pinochle "Sometimes" Champion, Red Beer Connoisseur, Chokecherry Wine Maker, Prize Tomato Grower, Volkswagen Bus Owner, Storyteller Extraordinaire. His potential as an Amateur Standup Comedian is still in question; we will let John take that up with God.

John met his match in Leona Albrecht: peas-in-a-pod, partners-in-crime, lovers of food, creators of laughs, unconditional-loving hearts. Though together John and Leona barely managed to put up an undercabinet microwave, those of us witnessing the debacle knew it was love. John and Leona were married on May 17, 2002 to the applause of many—unsure if this was for Leona taking John off his children's hands or vice-versa.

John had a heart for God and an unwavering commitment to share his faith with the world albeit a joke, a smile, a kindness, a hot meal, a warm bed, a silly text message or a long drive to visit someone he knew was hurting. John loved to play cards—any cards, watch sunsets while enjoying Leona's desserts, hunting (including the deer shot from the sun room while Leona slept), traveling, supporting worthy causes, connecting with his family and friends and solving world problems during "Wine-at-9" after Sunday Mass. We are unsure how many rosaries John has given away, prayers he prayed for others, kindnesses he bestowed on many or laughs he shared with this world. He was a man of unconditional love. One thing is certain, God got a good one…and certainly the pinochle tournaments have started in heaven. John will be missed.

John is survived by his wonderful wife and "sour-cream-raisin-pie pastry chef" Leona Albrecht Schaefbauer; children, August John III (Lori) Schaefbauer and Paul Schaefbauer of Rapid City, Barbara Ann Schaefbauer working in Iraq, Catherine (Stephen) Turner of Austin, TX; five grandchildren: Bobbi and August John IV (AJ) Schaefbauer; Ashton and Ashley Acuna; Andres Schaefbauer Anaya; four siblings, Nora (Tom) Hilt of Las Vegas, NV; Bill (Evie Sautner) Schaefbauer of Sioux Falls; Bernadette Eckmann of Cedar City, UT; Leo (Linda) Schaefbauer of Rapid City, and sister-in-law Rosemary Schaefbauer, Strausburg, ND; and many amazing cousins, nieces and nephews. Also thankful in having shared in John's life: godchild Liberty Schaefbauer; stepsons William (Cindy) Albrecht, DeSmet, Michael (Nancy) Albrecht, McCook Lake; Todd (Amy Cramer) Albrecht, DeSmet; six step-grandchildren and 12 step-great grandchildren who all loved their "Papa John".

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Dennis and Patrick (both in infancy), Danny, Tom, Tim and Julie Nelson; brothers-in-law, Gary Nelson and Dennis Eckmann; sisters-in-law, Becky and Edna Schaefbauer; and step-daughter-in-law Lori Albrecht, who named him "Papa John" to the Albrechts.