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March 18, 1945-Nov. 10, 2026
Minot
Susan J. Schale, 81, Minot formerly of Harvey, died Tuesday, November 10, 2026 in a Minot hospital.
Susan was born March 18, 1945 in Harvey, ND the daughter of Ervin and Frieda (Schimke) Schale. She grew up in Harvey and graduated from Harvey High School in 1963.
Susan was once married to Leander Haffner. This union was blessed with three children, LeAnn, Amanda and Chad. They lived in Lodi, California for a number of years until returning to North Dakota in 1974. They lived in Garrison until a move to Minot in 2011.
Throughout her life, she had a passion for creativity and enjoyed sharing her talents with others. As a self-employed artisan, she took great pride in creating and selling crafts and jewelry at craft shows, state fairs and stock shows throughout the United States where she met new people to share her unique creations. She made countless friends and served customers in the thousands. Her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for handmade treasures brought joy to both her and those around her.
Susan loved to winter in Mesa, Arizona, where she enjoyed making new friends and soaking up the sunshine. She attended West Minot Church of God and was steadfast in her faith her entire life, often praying for someone to witness to as they passed by her booth. She loved Christian gospel music and never missed an opportunity to attend a concert put on by the Gaither Family and other artists, even if it was on a cruise!
Susan will be remembered for her love of Jesus and her devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.
Susan's loving family includes her children LeAnn (Joe) Beckstrand, Jamestown, ND, Amanda (Matthew Mahowald) Collins, Bismarck, ND and Chad (Jolene) Haffner, Minot, ND; grandchildren Alissa (David) Leedahl, Bryce (Anna) Beckstrand, Colin (Erika) Beckstrand, Brayden Beckstrand, Shandra (fiance Josh Bell) Schulz, Dylan (Lori) Szczur, Makenzie (Katelynn) Swift, and Molly, Aaron, Marcus and Jacob Haffner; great-grandchildren Jay, Harper and Jones Leedahl, Elsie and Grady Beckstrand, Asher Dvorak and Freya Schulz along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Alan Schale, Denny Schale and Judy Bushnell.
Celebration of Susan's Life: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at West Minot Church of God.
Interment: Harvey Mennonite Brethren Cemetery, Rural Harvey, ND.
Visitation: Monday, November 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot with a prayer service to follow.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, November 14, 2026.