Dorothy Schafernocker

Dorothy Schafernocker, affectionately know to many as “Mommanocker”, age 89, of Newark, TX passed away October 7, 2016. She was born in Canton, Ohio to Arthur and Minnie Peterson on December 31, 1926. She married Jack and they moved to Texas when their last son was born.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Michael, who was Killed In Action in 1969 at the age of 20 in Vietnam; her husband Newt Manning, and ex-husband, Jack Schafernocker.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Ronnie Schafernocker; brother, Bill Peterson; niece, Linda Combs, her husband, Larry and son, LJ; grandchildren, David Schafernocker and Lisa D’Ostroth and husband, Bruce; great-granddaughter, Tessa Schafernocker; and a host of cousins and other family members along with her “Seawolf” sons and daughters and their families across the United States, Sweden and various other countries.

Dorothy, a “Gold Star Mom”, devoted her life to Veterans after the death of her son Michael. Before being Killed in Action at the age of 20, Michael served with the US Navy Squadron HA(L)-3 “Seawolves”.

Through the years she traveled coast-to-coast to attend “Seawolf” Reunions. “All” Seawolves came to know her as “Momma” and looked forward to her “big hugs”.

In her late 70's, she drove the original Traveling Wall truck around the USA in honor of Michael and all the Americans who died in Vietnam.

She also had the opportunity to fly a leg of the movie "In the Shadow of the Blade" with Seawolves and a River Rat who owed his life to Michael.

“Momma” participated in numerous Veteran events and would often go to airports to welcome Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; giving each a “welcome home hug”. Twice a year she held “Veteran Potluck Picnics” at her home in Newark, TX.

On March 15, 2011 she and two additional Gold Star families were able to return to Vietnam to “seek an element of peace for a supreme sacrifice made many years ago”. She was shown the exact location Mike’s helicopter went down. Year’s earlier excavators recovered a few skeletal remains and teeth that were later identified as belonging to Mike.

ALL who met her were touched by her kindness and her generosity. She considered all Veterans her “sons” and “daughters”. She did a lot of good for every veteran she ever had a chance to meet. Rest in peace, Momma!

She donated her body for Science so they could research her Alzheimer’s disease. She did not want a funeral. A memorial to celebrate “Momma’s” life will be held at a later date in April 2017.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to your local Veteran’s organization; Seawolf.org or towards the “Memorial in April Memorial to Celebrate Momma’s Life”, c/o Linda Combs, 1024 Highland Rd., Cleburne, TX 76033-8615.