Michael R. Safratowich

Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services invites you to our Facebook page to view the Michael Safratowich Funeral Service ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The funeral service for Michael R. Safratowich, formerly of Wadena, will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m on Friday, September 8, at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena, with Deacon Jean-Claude Duncan presiding. Visitation will be held at the chapel on Friday, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Mike, age 95, passed away at Eventide Care Center in Moorhead, MN on August 31, 2023. Mike was born near Belfield, ND on July 15, 1928, to Elizabeth (Zlebita) and Michael J. Safratowich. He graduated from Belfield High School where he was an athlete. Mike received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Dickinson (ND) State Teachers’ College and a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. He served as a staff sergeant in the US Air Force in Fairbanks, Alaska where he married Mary Hopfauf of Dickinson in 1951. Mike taught school in Dickinson, Walhalla, and Hebron, ND, as well as at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College Wadena, where he taught Business Education until his retirement in 1991. Mike enjoyed meeting his many students years after they graduated and always remembered their names. In later years, he enjoyed spending time at the cabin he built on Rush Lake, camping in State Parks, traveling with his wife Mary, and enjoying time with his family. He was a talented woodcarver and shared many carvings with friends and family. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Mary in 1999, brother, Laudie, and sister, Josephine Hopfauf. Mike was a well-loved dad, papa, and great-papa to his family and is survived by his children Michael D. Safratowich of Fargo, ND, Deborah Campbell (Larry) of St. Cloud, MN, grandchildren Benjamin Campbell (Sue) of Portland, Oregon, Elizabeth Campbell (Erik Hilstrom) of Minneapolis, and two great grandchildren, Nora and Alma Campbell, of Portland. He will be greatly missed. Military honors will be provided by MNAGHG. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Wadena, MN. The family wishes to thank the staff at Eventide Care Center, as well as Hospice of the Red River Valley, for their kindness and care given to Mike during his time with them. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Red River Valley. (www.hrrv.org/giving-back)

Michael R. Safratowich

July 15, 1928 - August 31, 2023