Calvin Schaible
December 5, 1955 ~ December 25, 2011
At exactly 12:00 am on Dec. 25, 2011, Calvin Lynn Schaible, Fargo, ND, ended his journey here on earth surrounded by his family, receiving his best Christmas gift ever, the Indescribable Gift of Eternal Life. Calvin Lynn Schaible was born on Dec. 5, 1955, to Benjamin and Rosalie (Scheer) Schaible in Elgin, ND. He grew up on a farm in Mott, ND, where he lived until graduating from Mott High School in 1974. He attended Dickinson State College, where he was active in Student Senate and TKE, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of College Studies. He met Beth Filipek while working over the summer of 1978 at Upper Missouri Bible Camp near Epping, ND. They were married Aug. 17, 1979 in Minot, then moved to Grand Forks, ND. They finally settled in Fargo, where Cal obtained his second degree in Business Administration, (with an emphasis on Hospital Administration), from Concordia College, Moorhead in 1984. Throughout his life he worked a variety of jobs, including working for the Office of Rural Health in Grand Forks, BCBS of ND, Ready Wheels for F-M Ambulance, custodian for Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church in Moorhead, and ND Director of AAU Basketball. He loved coaching his son, Danny (24) in trap shooting and basketball, and daughter, Katie (20) in basketball. In addition, he assisted in Scouting activities for several years. He also managed Katie's AAU Girls Basketball team for many years. He loved to read non-fiction and usually had several books he was reading at the same time. He also loved to travel and as of Dec. 2010 had visited every state in the US as well as several countries in Europe. Just recently, Cal received a BS degree in History Education, after completing his student teaching at Oak Grove Lutheran, Fargo, in May 2011. He was so looking forward to his new career of teaching, when he was diagnosed again with Melanoma (his initial diagnosis occurred Jan. 1990). His cancer soon metastasized to many other areas of his body. His main wish before leaving this earth was to use his teaching degree through employment. Although Cal never formally met that goal, he truly taught others throughout his life, whether it was sharing historical facts, informing others of conservative political positions through letters to the editors and calls to political talk shows, leading and participating in pro-life educational activities, (he was responsible for formally establishing the ND Lutherans for Life chapter and working in the local chapter as well), teaching adult Sunday School, or informally in his day to day activities. (Many of you enjoyed coffee while talking theology and politics with Cal.) However, Cal's most important teaching assignment ended up being the lessons he learned and taught as he journeyed through the end of his life with cancer. He learned to trust in the reliability of his Savior - not just based on what he read or believed - but what he lived and experienced. He will be missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his spouse, Beth, and children, Daniel and Katherine, as well as his mother, Rosalie Schaible, Mott, ND; sister, Cindy (Chuck) Boyll, Colorado Springs, CO; brother, Donald (Carmen) Schaible, Mott, ND; father-in-law and mother-in-law, (Charles and Erna Filipek), Minot, ND; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, (Kim and Linda Filipek, Burlington, ND and Mark and Cindy Filipek, Hazen, ND), 11 nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin.
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Bismarck ND
Calvin and I are friends as far back as 5th grade in Mott. He befriended me then and I cherish his friendship. We have many shared memories from grade school, high school, and college at DSC. We could spend hours conversing about anything from sports, to girls, to religion, to politics, to whatever. In Mott, it was “crusing main” (5 blocks and a u-turn) listening to “Padre’s Platters”. In Dickinson, it was late nights at the Country Kitchen. In more recent years, it was at Perkins or A&B Pizza in Bismarck. Calvin, it was always enjoyable, always engaging, always thought-provoking, and sometimes challenging. I have always admired your faith. Your friendship was the beginning of my faith journey as we shared time at Jr.CYF in Mott and continued to share. Thank you for your friendship. You truly know how to be a friend. The night before Calvin’s funeral, in my dreams, Calvin was conversing with me about his death, and about this life and the next. He said to me, ” Tell everyone that death is not so bad its kinda like two halves becoming whole I feel complete.” (Knowing Calvin and his faith in Christ, I think that sounds like him.) Calvin, I look forward to conversing with you again. my friend. Our sympathys and love to Beth, Dan, and Katie. Barry and Cheryl Hansen
Bismarck ND
Cal was one of the first friends I made in college. He was good-natured and fun-loving, and we had many experiences together, from silly to serious. In subsequent years we had minimal contact, but just enough to know that his commitment to his faith, family and beliefs was unshakeable. To Beth and family, my condolences for today and my prayers for tomorrow. Until we meet again Cal, rest in peace.
Schererville INI love Cal, and will miss him, even though we only saw each other every once in awhile. He was one of just a few cousins who were actually near my age!
I enjoyed his visits and in so many ways we were on the same page.
Thank you for keeping us informed each week, Beth. Yours and Cal’s faith have made his passing a bit easier to ”take.”
God BlessYou ALL
Love, Jean (Scheer) Dotson
Las Vegas NVHappy Trails Cal, as we say in the West. Have a great journey home.
Dallas TexasI extend my sympathy to you at this time. I pray that God will be by your side at all times.
Love, Esther Scheer
Dallas TexasFrom all indications, cousin Cal died ‘with dignity’. We are proud of him and thankful to God for this gift of His grace.
Forsyth MontanaCal took me under his arm as a little TKe Sis.
My other big Brother.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Beth.
Lisa Kohler Blevins
Fargo North Dakota
Dear Beth, kids and Schaible family, Beth, we are sooo sorry. I remember when you first started w/ Ciera, alot of our visits and conversations, I was looking for some comfort from you, as I was so scard of what Ciera’s life may or may not be. I am sure you are feeling some of those same feelings now. I hope than sincere concern for you and your family, will comfort you as you did for me at times when I felt somtimes the world just doesn’t make sense. I hope you find peace and solace that Cal “went to meet the big guy” Christmas Day, I’d call that a “god moment”. I think God decided a long time ago that his child Cal was going to see his glory the same day Jesus Christ did. What an ultimate gift to Cal. We are thinking of you and your entire family, with sympathy.
Maplewood MN
Beth, I’ve always considered you a good friend, despite the fact that we haven’t seen each other that often. It was a pleasure working with you when I lived in Fargo. I am so sorry for your loss, and am praying for you and your family.
Raleigh NCWe where in Mott but I am sorry I don’t remember meeting Cal or Beth. The Person I know most about is Katie. All this doesn’t matter, what does is the way Cal lived his life. Makes me think of the “Dash” We are born and we will die.
What we did with the time we had is what counts. From all I have read you all have done well and The Lord said Well done my good and faithful servant.
Know that you all have and will be in many prayers which will carry you through all of it.
Love
Ruth and Ken
Bismarck ND
Dear Beth and family,
Praying for you at this time of sadness. Dana and I just recently spoke of Cal and how highly we thought of him and we so enjoyed friendship with you both in our “Fargo” days. Blessings and comfort to all. Dana and Mary
Moorhead Minnesota
As everyone else has already stated here, Calvin was an incredible Man. I never really got to know him as an adult, but when I was just still a child living in Mott, I had a little “crush” on him. Totally Innocent ( I assure You )
One year I was invited to attend the Vacation Bible School at the Zoar Congregational Church in Mott, and Calvin, was one of the older boys that was also a Mentor to the younger children that year.
At the end of the VBS week, each of the “Mentors” got to choose a child attending that week, that “They” personally, wanted to present a HOLY BIBLE to.
Well, I don’t need to say more. Calvin had chosen to present a beautiful leather bound Bible to ::: ME!
I was so Proud & Happy to have my new Bible, (which I still have to this day) and was also so Happy as that awkward little kid, to have such a wonderful “Big Brother”, choose me to give a Bible to. (I’m from a family of all Girls)
My Father, and Calvins’ father, were two of the Best Friends ~ and I know they were both there in Heaven to Greet Calvin in Heaven with a wonderful reunion and celebration.
My Prayers for Peace, Strength, and Comfort for Calvin’s family during this difficult time continue.
Minot ND
Our thoughts are with you, Beth and family. It has been some time since we last saw you and Cal but we have many memories to fall back on during this time of sorrow and grief. It is our hope that in the days to come that the good memories are what you will find comfort in.
Lakewood COMy prayers to the family of my cousin Cal.
Trish (Huether) Hermanson
West Fargo ND
It’s still hard to believe that just over six months ago we watched and listened as Cal told his story, and prayed for him on an outdoor patio at a Fargo restaurant. In spite of our pleas to God for healing, he has shown us that his plan would heal Cal for eternity. What a journey it has been. And now our friend stands in glory.
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed over from death to live.”
I am so sorry I will not be at the funeral on Friday to pay my respects to Cal and his family. “Respects” is the right word, because I have the highest respect for Cal as a man. And, as I knew him, as a scholar and teacher. Cal had integrity, curiosity, and character. A good man gone, but never gone in spirit. I would be most interested in knowing if a memorial fund is set up.
Orlando FLPrayers for the family and friends of Calvin.
Dowagiac MII was so saddened to hear of Cal’s death. Even though I knew of his cancer diagnosis, there is always the hope of healing and recovery. But this was not the plan. I’ve been reading of Cal’s convictions and faith. This was evident in Cal’s young life as well. Even though it had been many years since I had actually been able to visit with Cal, I could “visit” with him on Facebook. I will miss his wit and humor. My prayers are with Beth, his children, and all of his family and friends.
Detroit Lakes MN
Dear Beth and family,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand now and in future days ahead, Cal accomplished alot in his life here on earth, and what a comfort to know he is now in Heaven.
Love and prayers,
Jody
Thank You, Lord, for blessing us with Cal’s life and for granting him eternal life. May your arms of strength and comfort surround his family.
rochester MnDear, Rosalie, Cindy, Donny, Beth, Katie, and Danny
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was blessed to be able to reconnect with Cal through social networking the last few years. I know he will be missed. I will always carry the childhood memory of visiting the farm and how busy Cal and Donny were but always made time to say hi or even take time to go three wheeling with us. It was these small things that impact others lifes as it did mine. He will truly be missed. I am confident God gave him a teaching job in heaven.
Mott North Dakota
My condolences to Beth,Katie,Daniel and to the rest of Cal’s relatives. He will be remembered for his laughter, caring . I got to know him thru his brother Don, my brotheri-in-law. He is in a better place and he has no more pain. He is with God and all relatives and friends that have past before him. You all will be in my prayers,
OUr deepest symphathy
Monty&Jackie Larson and Family
Newton KansasSorry we are unable to make it, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you Aunt Beth, Dan, and Katie. May Christ’s Peace be with you now and always.
Las Vegas Nevada Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy
to you and your family. I was so sorry to hear about Cal. He was an amazing man!! He was always one of my favorite friends during our high school days. Cal always had time to talk and share his humor.
Again, extending our deep and heartfelt sympathy Cal will be missed..
Pat and Bob Eckes
Detroit Lakes MN
I never met Cal but I was a regular reader and someone who REALLY appreciated Cal’s Letters-to-the-Editor. I would end up cutting many of them out and passing them on or saving them. It was ALWAYS a blessings to read them as he mirrored my beliefs and convictions. My prayer is that someone else will come along and pick up where Cal left off. We REALLY need someone to continue on in his ‘straight and narrow path’.
To Cal’s family: There’s joy and peace for you knowing that he now rejoices in the presence of his Lord. As he entered into Heaven, I know he was greeted with, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant’.
Every loss leaves an empty space that only God’s presence can fill. May you find comfort and hope in God’s Holy and Precious Word. John 11:25,26
Fargo, ND
Dear Beth,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I first met Cal when I worked with you at SEHSC. Then it was so nice to reunite with your family when Heath and Dan were in the same class at Oak Grove Lutheran High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dan and Katie today and always.
Ron, Lorna, Heath, Brandon and Amanda Horpedahl
Batavia ILCalvin will be remembered as being kind, loving and following the Lord. A life well-lived. A cousin well-loved.
Moorhead MN
Katie and Family,
I pray for your strength through this though time. Cal was a great person! My best memories of Cal were during traveling basketball at Oak Grove. I wish you all the best!
Cassie
Moorhead, MN
We feel blessed to be part of a group that has met for lunch after church on Sundays, it won’t be the same without Cal. With Beth and Cal we have been able to see love in action over the last several weeks. Best wishes to Beth, Dan & Katie.
Fargo North Dakota
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Cal for being nice to a lowly freshman when he was a senior back in Mott.
Tioga ND
We are saddened to hear of Cal’s loss, but greatful he is no longer in pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cal always had a joke or two for us and a smile on his face. Take care and God Bless you all!
Hazen N.D
.Beth, Danny & Katie,
What a journey Cal lived, and such a blessing to all the lives of the people he touched with the many gifts he had! We will always cherish the wonderful trips he planned, and so thankful for the ones we got to take together. I will never forget his sense of humor and teasing he liked to do and the chuckles he would get out of it. Cal loved to remember something amusing that you did (such as backing into a snow bank, or telling him the wrong pronunciation for “chicken kiev” (when he was ordering it in a fancy restaurant only to find out you told him the wrong pronunciation and made him really embarrassed). Cal would always remind you about these little mistakes you made, until you could finally get one better on him, (such as backing into our basketball pole and busting it down), then it seems he may let those little memories fade a little. Cal lived such a wonderful Christian example and very humble life, and We are proud to have him as our brother! We will forever cherish all these memories Cal has left us! What a joy Cal experienced on Christmas Day! We pray for Gods blessing and comfort for you Beth, Danny & Katie.
Mott ND
From all us at Good Samaritan in Mott
Our prayers are with Beth & family and all of you who knew and loved Cal. He was always an encourager when he stopped by the nursing home to visit. We were blessed to know him.
Bruce Kallis, Residents and Staff
Our prayers are with Beth and her family.
New YorkWe wish we could be there. Love to all the Schaibles/Filipeks at this time.
Thank you Cal, for being you… 🙂
For being a loving father to my friend, a great “sporting events” friend to my dad, and a dedicated coach who never gave up on me, and tought me so much to improve my game on the basketball court…
And for that Cal Schaible, I say THANK YOU! I wish I had told you sooner how much I appreciated all you did for me. You are such a wonderful man and I’m so glad our paths crossed where and when they did.
I will be sure to teach Bailey everything you tought me from posting up, to free throws. 🙂 I can’t wait for you to see her play!
You will be missed SO much, but your spirit will (obviously) live on in all of us. 🙂
Miss you already!