Deborah Lynn Schaaf, 76, of New Underwood, SD, died Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.
Deb was born June 13, 1947, at Grand Coulee Dam, Washington to Carl and Lucille (Smith) Cramer. Active was the only word to describe her with three older brothers while spending time flying with her father. She graduated at the University of Maryland with degrees in microbiology and biochemistry. This is where she met Rob, her husband of 56 years. She was the owner of Rob-Lynn engine services and welding in Sturgis, SD, where she was active in welding as well as a mechanic for some 20 years.
Deb was very active member of DAR, and was also active in Sturgis Presbyterian Church, as well as pancake feeds and receptions at the church. Deb and Rob as well as others loved to cook at the church.
She had a great love for horses and raising beef and with all of this she found time to raise their children. Later in life she helped start Schaaf Angus Ranch of New Underwood, SD, with her husband and son where she took great pride in the animals that were raised as well as the wealth of information when it came to the Angus breed. It was on the way back from selling calves at St. Onge on September 1st on her 56th wedding anniversary to Rob the pickup blew a tire and rolled over in which put Deb and Rob in the hospital for 2 months. She was able to come home for a short time before unforeseen complications from the accident put her back in the hospital where she passed on November 4, 2023.
Deb leaves behind her husband, Robert Schaaf; son, Charles Schaaf; her daughter, Jennifer Schaaf Richmond and her husband, Jeff; and two grandchildren, Connor, and Keira Richman; brothers, Steve Cramer, Dave Cramer, and Greg Cramer.
Deb is preceded in death by her parents, Carl A. Cramer, and Lucille (Smith) Cramer.
Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Visitation will be 12:30-2:00 p.m. prior to service time on Monday at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.
Condolence may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
