Carolyn Schaff

Carolyn Ann Schaff, age 80, formerly of Mandan, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, in Fargo, ND, after a courageous 26-month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and her beloved grand-dog, Winnie.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, April 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Fred Harvey celebrating. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, April 28, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary and Prayer Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Carolyn was born on November 2, 1945, in Mandan, the youngest of five children to Ralph and Anna (Schmidt) Gustin. She spent her childhood on a farm located 13 miles southwest of Mandan. Carolyn attended a rural school for 8 years and went on to attend Mandan High School, graduating in 1963. Following graduation, she moved into Mandan, where she met her future husband. On September 12, 1970, Carolyn married Florian “Floyd” Schaff at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan. Together they had two children, Lonna and Andrew. Sadly, Floyd passed away in 1984. Empowered by her unwavering faith and the steadfast support of her family and friends, Carolyn pressed on with resilience, raising their two young children on her own with love and determination.

Carolyn started working at the Mandan Creamery in January 1964. She humorously dubbed herself as "the gopher," as she frequently picked up burgers from Ohm's Cafe and donuts from George's Bakery for the creamery staff. She playfully remarked that her car was always infused with the aroma of food. After the closure of the creamery, Carolyn took a variety of jobs, including positions at Kirkwood Motor Inn, Heartview, and Edgewood Vista, among others. She ultimately retired in 2015, from Maple View Memory Care in Bismarck.

Carolyn had a zest for life and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved cooking for family gatherings and enjoyed decorating her home for all the seasons and holidays. She enjoyed playing pinochle with her "widow friends" and having coffee with "the ladies." She also enjoyed many picnics at Fort Lincoln with her friends (the circle of friendship trees at Fort Lincoln is now complete). Carolyn was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and a dedicated supporter of Mandan Braves athletics, with a particular passion for boys' basketball. Since 1954, she accurately documented the results of every game, maintaining a comprehensive record of scores. Carolyn loved Mandan and everything about it. She also enjoyed bingo, garage sales, and casinos. She loved to travel, and took several bus trips around the country, as well as charter flights to Laughlin and West Wendover Nevada. Carolyn belonged to the Mandan Women of the Moose, Mandan Eagles Auxiliary, and Catholic Daughters.

Carolyn is survived by her two children, Lonna Schaff and Andrew Schaff, both of Fargo; sisters, Leona (Casper) Glaser, Bismarck and Darlene (Kelly) Hayes, Lakeville, MN; sisters-in-law, Sharon Gustin, Mandan and Minnie Mizera, McLaughlin, SD; godchildren, Lynn Gustin, Shelly Tangen, and Ken Mizera; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins; and her special grand-dog, Winnie Anna.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; parents, Ralph and Anna; brothers, Henry and Jim Gustin; godchildren, Matthew Tschida, Chuck Glaser, and Sandy Thompson; numerous other relatives; and her special grand-dog, Sydney Josephine.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Fargo's Roger Maris Cancer Center and the team at Sanford Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Carolyn. They also extend their appreciation to everyone who offered support, encouragement, and prayers to Carolyn during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.