Joseph D. Schabacker, age 48, of East Grand Forks, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, October 23, 2015, at Vibra Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Joseph Schabacker, the son of Linda Schabacker was born in Rochelle, IL, on August 11, 1967. His childhood was spent growing up in Mentor, MN, with his grandparents. Joe graduated from Mentor High School with a 4.0 average. Following graduation, he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Over those next several years, Joe took a variety of classes and earned himself a place on the Dean's list every semester.

In the early 1990's, Joe moved back to the Mahnomen area. He purchased a house in Fosston, MN, and began working at the Shooting Star Casino. He began as a hard count attendant followed by a cook in the Whispering Winds Café. Joe then went to work on the floor dealing blackjack and quickly made it to Pit Boss and management. When his health began to fail, Joe was forced to retire. He moved to his home in East Grand Forks, MN, to be closer to his aunt, Susan Mashburn, for her assistance.

Some of Joe's favorite hobbies included Nascar, collecting WCW wrestling figurines and pro-football. Everything revolved around the NFL, especially the Vikings, and he looked forward to the early fall when he and the guys would get together to pick out their players. Joe organized a fantasy football league 19 years ago and he supervised each season with the exception of this past fall when his health did not allow him to attend. Joe's second love in life was his pets. He loved his two cats and treated them very well. Although gone too soon from our sight, Joe will remain in our hearts forever.

Joseph is survived by a brother, James P. Schabacker of Rock Rapids, IA; one nephew, James E. Schabacker; one niece, Stacy Myhrum, his grandma, Amber Schabacker and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mom, Linda, step-dad, Arnold Mashburn and grandpa, Walt Schabacker Sr.

A Time of Gathering was held on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, from 3-5 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.