Lyla Jean Diede

Funeral Service

Lyla Jean Schaeffer was born November 11, 1941 in the old town of Pollock, SD to Theodore and Ottilia (Knoblich) Schaeffer. When Lyla was just over a year old, her family moved to Grandpa George Schaeffer's farm where she grew up. She always had a love for animals, caring for them and riding horses. She attended Country Grade School grades 1-8, she then attended Herried High School where she met Norman and then graduated in 1961.

Norman said he wanted to marry Lyla but not until she had graduated, so shortly after graduation on September 30, 1961 Lyla married Norman Diede in the Baptist Church of Eureka, SD. For a short time they lived on a farm west of Eureka until they moved to Fargo.

Starting out in Fargo, Lyla and Norman were self-employed; they worked together as a team and would take on different projects working side by side to make their dreams come true! They started a custodian cleaning company, taking on offices and DeLendrecies department store downtown.

After that they started purchasing small hotels, would fix them up and then sell them. 1976 was a big step. They signed on with a franchise and built the Super 8 Motel along I29 in Fargo which opened in May of 1977. They worked very hard together at the hotel starting out with a 60 room property, growing the business and adding on twice, making 109 rooms, 2 pools, and conference room. In addition to the hotel they also started in land development, starting several single family home developments and several commercial buildings. At one point one of the hotels did not have a restaurant close by so they built Bridgeman's Restaurant in West Fargo.

While growing up, Lyla did not know our Lord Jesus Christ. That all changed when she met Norman. Lyla became a devoted Christian and remained so up to the time of her passing. Through the years as a Christian couple they made significant contributions to needy causes. In addition to monetary donations they also helped in the construction of churches and shelters. In her last days Lyla still talked about how going to Brazil and helping was her favorite.

With all this happening they still found time to travel the world, Europe, Israel with David Jeremiah, Hawaii and many more! They did not have any children, but on one of their trips they fell in love with a parrot they adopted and named Benita, whom they adored and spoiled for over 30 years! Benita came along to work at the hotel every day with Lyla, he was quite the entertainment to the guests.

All of these adventures Lyla and Norman did together. In 2001 they decided to retire and they sold the Super 8. They later purchased a home in Fountain Hills, AZ to escape the North Dakota winters, and yes, Benita traveled with them making for an interesting plane ride.

Norman was Lyla's "Love of her Life" and Norman adored her! Whatever Lyla wanted Norman would get it for her, even a cherry red Convertible Mustang GT to cruise around Arizona. Just being together is what they loved.

It was very hard on Lyla when she lost Norman a couple years ago. Norman was Lyla's world. God knew she was tired and struggling so he called her home to be reunited with Norman. We know she is happy again!

Lyla is survived by her brother, Donley Schaeffer and sister, Ilene Knoepfle; and several nieces and nephews.

Lyla was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Elton Schaeffer; and her husband, Norman. Sisters-in-law, Phyllis Schaeffer (Elton), Marilou Schaeffer (Donley); and brother-in-law, Delbert Knoepfle (Ilene).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to Fargo Child Evangelism, Fargo Youth for Christ, or Fargo's New Life Center.