Lois M Schaefer

Lois M. (Penas) Schaefer, age 90 formerly of Grafton, ND, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Eventide Senior Living in Fargo, ND.

Lois M. Samson was born November 9, 1934 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Louis and Meranda (Nelson) Samson.  She grew up and attended school in Grafton and later Greenbush, MN, graduating from Greenbush High School.  She was united in marriage to Hubert Penas Jr. on July 1, 1955 in Grafton, ND.  The couple made their home in Grafton where she worked for the Walsh County Recorder’s Office.  The couple also owned and operated JR’s Bar in Oakwood from 1976-1987.  Hubert passed away on March 25, 1992 and she retired from the Recorder’s Office on December 13, 1996.  She continued to make her home in Grafton until 2012 when she was united in marriage to Richard Schaefer. The couple made their home in Baudette, MN until his passing on October 26, 2017.  She then moved to Mesa, AZ until September of 2024 when she moved into Eventide Senior Living in Fargo, ND.

She was a former member of the Grafton Lutheran Church where she also taught Sunday school, the Eagle’s Auxiliary and the Moose Lodge. She enjoyed bowling, curling, softball, golfing, bocce ball, shuffle board and many other activities that kept her active and competitive.

Lois is survived by her daughter Cindy (James) Meagher, Panama, granddaughter Ilea (Brandon) Kapler, great granddaughter Teela Meagher, sister Dorothy Stevens, sister-in-law Diane (Robert) Bjerke, as well as several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Hubert Jr. and Richard, grandson Jarrod Meagher, brother Lou Samson and sister Betty Jean Samson.

A memorial service will be Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton, ND.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at the Barnett National Cemetery of Badger, MN in the spring.