Joseph M. Schaaf

Emmet — Joseph Michael Schaaf, 72, of Emmet, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 at his home in Emmet.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 at Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson. 

Burial was in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson with military rites provided by the Atkinson American Legion Farley/Tushla Post No. 86.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Joseph was born on July 21, 1950 in Atkinson to Raymond and Theresa (Ramold). Joe grew up in rural Holt County before his family purchased the tavern in Emmet where they would make their home for the rest of his life.

Joe graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in O'Neill before being drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. 

Before leaving he married Connie Beckwith on Jan. 24, 1970.

Joe served in Vietnam for 18 months before returning and settling down with Connie to raise their two girls Brenda and Rani. 

Joe worked for Emmet Hay before moving on to Grosch Irrigation as a well service technician. During this time he became well known to local farmers and ranchers. He retired from this position in 2016 after 42 years of service.

Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating and spending time with his grandchildren. He was thrilled to be chosen as one of the Veterans to be chosen to take one of the first years' Patriot Flights which took him to Washington D.C.

Joe is survived by his wife Connie of Emmet; two daughters Brenda (Jim "Skip") Maloun and son Dylan all of Hermosa, SD, and Rani Schaaf of Norfolk and her daughters Cheyenne (Brent) Cullen and children Ian, Chaynee and Gaines of Emmet and daughter Alexa of Emmet; sister Annette Mahoney of Emmet, brothers John (Linda), Denny (Doris) and Vernon (Angie), all of O'Neill, sister-in-law Sharon of Stuart, Roy (Audra) of Atkinson, Nick (Alyce) of Emmet and sister Mary Jo (Brian) Hamik  of Norfolk.

He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Theresa and one brother Jim.