Gloria Cofer

Gloria (Schaner) Cofer, 73, of New Salem, passed away on October 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. Pius V Catholic Church, New Salem, ND, with Father Stephen Folorunso as Celebrant. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in New Salem, ND.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5:00-6:00 pm at St. Pius Catholic Church in New Salem, with a Prayer Vigil at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Gloria was born on March 22, 1952, to Leo and Frances (Messer) Schaner in Mandan, North Dakota. She married Wayne Cofer on January 3, 1970, and the couple later divorced. Gloria was in the customer service industry most of her life, helping Wayne in their family car repair business, then later working at the local grocery store, and finally in the assisted care unit of the local nursing home until she retired.

Gloria was a devoted mother of four kids, and several fur babies: Baby, Punky, Sassy, Snickers, Taz, and many more. She loved working on crafting projects, bejeweling cookie jars, sewing Christmas stockings, or making jeweled holiday arrangements, especially with angels. She always enjoyed fixing puzzles and playing games- especially pinochle and rolling dice. In the summer, Gloria loved fishing and gardening, but her favorite time of year was Halloween. For many years, with the help of her family, she would turn her house/garage into a haunted house. Over 300 people would pass through the haunted house each year while she served her famous witch’s brew.

Gloria's biggest highlight in her life was her family, and she always looked forward to spending time with them at gatherings and during the holidays. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren unconditionally.

Gloria will be missed by family and friends. Children, Tammy (Joe) O'Mara, Butte, MT, Tracy (Carrie) Cofer, New Salem, ND, Jason Cofer, Richfield, MN, Renae (Tim) Bleth, New Salem, ND; grandchildren, Kayla (Cedric) Hewitt, and Brianna O'Mara, and Shelby & Trayson Bleth; Great-Grandchildren, Kesler O'Mara, Kayleyanna & Tanyon Hewitt. Gloria will also be missed by her sisters, Helen (Schaner) Oster, Viola (Schaner) Beehler, Darlene (Schaner) Stein, her brother, Lloyd Schaner and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband-Wayne Cofer, sister Rose Mary Schaner, and many fur babies.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials.