Viola Schaner

Viola Margaret (Sibla) Schaner passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, at Sanford Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. After 95 years of a life well-lived, she leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, kindness, and unconditional love.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 25, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Keith Streifel celebrating. Rite of Committal will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026  from 5-7:00 P.M. at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan with Rosary and Parish Vigil beginning at 7:00 P.M. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to service at the Church.

Born on November 19, 1930, to Lawrence and Katherine Sibla, Viola learned early the values of hard work, family, and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life on the farm.

Viola was united in marriage to the love of her life, Edward Schaner on May 24, 1954. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised 13 children. Being a mother was her greatest joy and life’s work. She embraced what is truly the greatest—and often the hardest—job in the world with endless patience, sacrifice, and devotion. Her children were the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to providing them with love, guidance, and unwavering support.

Viola found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved playing cards, spending time with her family, garage saling, sewing, and sharing her famous rham noodles that became a beloved family favorite. Her home was always a welcoming place where laughter was plentiful, stories were shared, and everyone felt loved.

Family was the heart of everything Viola did. Her greatest pride was watching her family grow through the generations. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Viola was loved and cherished by her siblings, Kenneth Sibla, Jim (Sandy) Sibla, and Doris Sibla. Thirteen children, Prescott (Carrole) Schaner, Michele Larson, Sandra Schaner, Curtis (Lane) Schaner, Dawn (Eric) Svensson, Joseph (Marie) Schaner, Sharon Pratt, Colette (Thomas) Goldade, Clyde (Kimberly) Schaner, Robert Schaner, Patrick (Francisco) Schaner, John (Carrie) Schaner, and James (Jennifer) Schaner; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by her love.

Viola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Schaner; her parents, Lawrence and Katherine Sibla; brother, Lawrence Sibla Jr.; sister-in-law, Germaine Sibla; son-in-laws Eddie Pratt Jr. and Keith Larson; grandsons Michael Schaner and Thomas Goldade Jr.; and other cherished family members who welcomed her home.

While her family mourns her loss, they find comfort in knowing she was surrounded by those she loved as she passed from this life. They also find peace in imagining Edward waiting to welcome her home after years apart. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the love she freely gave to all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Miller Pointe and Sanford Hospital Staff for the care they provided Viola.