Bradley Dean Schafer
October 27, 1946 – March 20, 2026

Bradley Dean Schafer, age 79, of Burnsville, Minnesota, passed away on March 20, 2026. Born on October 27, 1946, in Slayton, Minnesota, Brad was the son of Leon and Lorraine Schafer.

Brad proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1965 through 1968, and was honorably discharged. Following his military service, he began a long career with Northwest Airlines, where he held several different positions over the years. It was during his time with the airline that he met the love of his life, Dianne Thompson. The two were married on September 11, 1971, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades.

Brad and Dianne eventually made their home in Burnsville, Minnesota, where they raised their three daughters: Colleen, Tracy Jo, and Tiffany. Brad was a committed husband and father who took great pride in his family.

Brad was an avid Minnesota sports fan who rarely missed a game. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course and took particular pride in maintaining his yard—if the grass was growing, chances are Brad was already planning his next mowing route across the lawn.

Brad loved firing up the grill and was always happy to cook for family and friends. At the end of the day, you could often find him relaxing with his favorite cocktail—a brandy Manhattan with a splash of cherry juice—made just the way he liked it.

In recent years, some of his greatest joy came from cheering on his grandsons, Jackson and Wyatt, loyally supporting them at their many sporting events.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Lorraine Schafer, and his sister, Barbara Ahrens.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Schafer; his daughters, Colleen (Todd) Kuznik, Tracy Schafer, and Tiffany (Ross Miller) Schafer; his beloved grandsons, Jackson and Wyatt Kuznik; his sister, Nancy Hartman; brothers Daniel (Joan) Schafer and Michael (Kim) Schafer along with many extended family members and friends who will remember his calm presence, quiet humor, and love for his family.

Brad will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Memorial Service 12:30 pm Thursday April 2, 2026 White Funeral Home 12804 Nicollet Ave S. Burnsville, MN. Memorial Visitation 1 hr prior to service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Mpls, MN

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Autism Society of Minnesota [https://ausm.org/donate/] or Midwest Special Services (MSS) [https://www.mssmn.org/donate] in Brad's honor.