Milton W. Schaeffer, 98, Ashley, ND, died Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the Avera Eureka Healthcare Center, Eureka, SD. Graveside services are scheduled for 5:30 PM, Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Ashley City Cemetery led by Pastor David Irwin.

Casketbearers will be Beth Fjeldheim, Alexis Goehring, Nola Goehring, and Paula Fjeldheim of Herreid, SD; Todd Moser of Pollock, SD; and Jill Perman-Hales of Mina, SD.

Milton William Schaeffer, son of Bertha (Herman) and Richard Schaeffer, was born at Ashley on November 26, 1927. He was brought up north of Ashley. He attended country school and Ashley High School. He farmed with his dad and later drove truck for a gravel company. Eventually he returned to farming as long as his health would allow. He moved from Ashley to the Herreid Good Samaritan Center in May 2013 and in December 2019 moved to the Eureka Healthcare Center. Milton was a member of Salem Reformed Church in Ashley. He was musically inclined, having learned to play the accordion and piano by ear; He also was an avid Bible reader, both in German and English; He could make anyone laugh with antics like playing a trumpet with only his mouth (no trumpet).

Milton is survived by several special cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Bertha; one infant brother, Freddy; several special cousins; and an aunt who was especially good to him, Ella Perman.

Services are in care of Carlsen-Lien Chapel, Ashley.