Jean Dale Schaefer
October 09, 1948 - October 19, 2020
Obituary
TOMAHAWK - Jean D. Schaefer, age 72, of Tomahawk, passed away on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis. She was born on Oct. 9, 1948, in Merrill, Wis., the daughter of William A. Sylvester and Ruth E. (Dale) Sylvester.
Jean graduated from Merrill High School 1966 and from UW-Madison in 1970. She married Phillip T. Schaefer on July 18, 1970, in Merrill. The couple resided in Ohio from 1984-2001. Prior to retirement Jean enjoyed a career as a teacher and substitute teacher. She volunteered at the Lorain County Metro Parks and First Congregational Church in Elyria. She and Phil hosted many foreign exchange students through Rotary International.
In her free time Jean loved travelling, gardening, and exploring her family’s genealogy. She also participated in many triathlons and cross-country ski races throughout the Midwest, including numerous American Birkebeiner ski marathons. She and her husband enjoyed hiking the Ice Age Trail. Jean was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk, where she sang in the choir and was very active in church activities.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Bethany Jean Schaefer; son, Michael (Jill) Schaefer; two sisters, Carol (Herbert) Lyon and Louise (Gary) Thompson; brother-in-law, Bruce (Janet) Schaefer; sister-in-law, Barbara Schaefer; two granddaughters, Julia Schaefer and Amanda Schaefer; niece, Margot (David) Lyon Bolton; and two nephews, Peter (Arjana) Lyon and Aaron Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Phillip.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk or the Ice Age Trail Alliance - Northwoods Chapter. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
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Memories
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Marie Schultz
Other •
Jean was smart lady who seemed to always come back from multiple bouts with cancer. I enjoyed our sharing talks and an occasional walk on "the Point." I will miss her. She was taken too soon. Glad she packed a lot of travels into the first years after her diagnosis. Godspeed, Jean!
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Marilyn Reedy
Other •
Last night, as the Badgers played I couldn’t help but think of Jean and cheer a little bit louder. I already miss our conversations of condo-life, gardens, faith, politics, etc. A special woman indeed!🌷
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Leslie Felch
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Jean was so giving that she allowed my husband and me to park our 21’ travel trailer in her driveway this past July before we headed out on our adventure. We spent two full days enjoying meals and laughs. When she offered us a chance to take a “real” shower in the downstairs bathroom, I was quick to accept! When I came upstairs after soaking up the wonderful hot water, she got such a kick out of giving me a hard time for taking so long! What an absolutely wonderful visit we had with her and Bethany! She will be missed greatly💕
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Todd and Leslie Felch
Other •
Remember that we love and care about you.
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Kathy Ponko
Other •
Bill and I wish to extend our condolences to Jean’s family. As high school classmates, Jean stood out as being so very bright and adventurous in her pursuit of the foreign exchange program. She already was so aware of the bigger world and just traveled to explore and broaden the world for all of us. It sounds like her life was a continuation of those early dreams. She has left her family and friends a wonderful legacy. Kathy and Bill Ponko
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Janet Osness Beyer-Thums
Other •
Jean and I were friends since high-school. I was friends with Phil and I "hooked them up." I have memories and photos of our double date for the prom. (1965)Jean's friendship made me a better person. She was indeed the ultimate friend. Jean somehow had the ability (despite her illness) to make me laugh. I told her once I enjoyed all of visits and conversations. Her courage was remarkable. To all who loved Jean, you have my deepest sympathy. I share your loss.