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Melvin Sterling Schaaf died in the presence of his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia May Schaaf (nee Feller), in their home in Winnemucca, Nevada.
He was born in Durango, Colorado, and after growing up in the Four Corners area and attending Durango High School, he served in the U S Navy and married his sweetheart. Afterward he worked a variety of jobs such as hunting outfitter, logger, brick mason, carpenter, civil engineering service and mosquito control manager. He also served as secretary for the local Republican party, as well as reserve sheriff's deputy and on the local mounted patrol.
His life's passion and calling was for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. At 26 he was saved by God's grace which completely turned his life around. He became a pastor and never passed up an opportunity to share Christ's love with anyone he met, up to the day he met Jesus in glory.
Preceded in death by his parents and three grand children. Survived by his wife; his sister Edithe (Edie) Pene; his children: Carl, Pamela, David, Connie, Timothy, Melody, Melvin, Robert and Alvin; 35 grand children and 18 great grand children (thus far).
Memorial service at Frontier Baptist Church, Durango, Colorado, October 6, 2018 at 2:00 pm.
Virginia requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be designated to the building fund for Grace Baptist Church, P O Box 937, Winnemucca, NV 89446.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
In loving memory of a wonderful pastor & friend. We will remember you always. -The Oswald family-
Hans Georg & Ruth Oswald
Friend
November 8, 2023
I worked with Sterling for many years and easily saw his love of life, family and God. Prayers for his family - he will be missed.
Donna Rogers
October 6, 2018
It was my pleasure to have known Sterling. He was a man of great passion.
Tony Whittle
October 5, 2018
I can only imagine the joy in Heaven when Sterling arrived!!! He was always such a gentleman. I met Sterling when I worked for the 9R Transportation Dept. many years ago. May God richly bless his family
Trish Patten
October 2, 2018
Paula Price
September 29, 2018
Richard Lovell
September 28, 2018
Sterling was a kind & interesting man. He & his wife made a wonderful pair. Whenever they visited our home, it was refreshing. Though he had difficulty breathing, his presence was like a breath of fresh air. He always had some comment about his Lord & Saviour the Lord Jesus!
Nancy Johnson
September 28, 2018
Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years. May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
September 27, 2018
What and amazing man. See you again someday
Brad Ray
September 26, 2018
He has been more than a pastor, He was who I called my Dad for over 40 years. He lived what he preached and encouraged me to do the same. I loved this man and I miss him with each breath.
James LaPlant
Family
September 26, 2018
We played together as youngsters, and worked together at the Animas Mosquito District. Sterling touched many lives. God bless you Sterling.
September 25, 2018
SEE YOU SOON BROTHER !!!
JOE BRINKERHOFF
September 24, 2018
Mr. Schaaf was my school bus driver when I was an elementary/middle-school student. He always had a warm smile and a friendly hello every time this nervous little boy boarded the bus and headed to school. He also took some of the students on outings through and across Missionary Ridge with his church group. Mr. Schaaf had a way to make a person feel welcome, and as a child, feel very safe. Thank you, for everything, you will be missed.
September 21, 2018
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