MOUNT HOREB - Nancy Ellen (Kinney) Schaefer, age 86, of Mount Horeb, Wis., passed away on February 10, 2025. She was born on November 25, 1938, in Madison, Wis., to Edmond and Pauline Kinney.

Nancy attended Lapham School in Madison for the hearing impaired before transitioning to regular classes. She was a member of the Junior National Honor Society and a graduate of Central High School in Madison.

On August 8, 1958, she married Charles R. Schaefer. Together, they built their life in rural Mount Horeb, where they helped on the family farm, built two homes, raised their son, and worked full-time.

Nancy dedicated over 57 years of service to the University of Wisconsin's Memorial Library, retiring on September 1, 2016, as a Library Services Assistant, Advanced-Emerita. She found immense joy in her work, gaining valuable experience, education and lifelong colleagues.

Her favorite pastimes included fishing, gardening, watercolor painting, babysitting her beloved grandchildren and spending time with her pets.

Nancy is survived by her son and lifeline, Michael (Lisa) Schaefer, and two cherished grandchildren, Alex (Corissa) and Ashlee. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles, in May 2009.

The family will be holding a private service. A celebration of life for Nancy will be held at a later date at the family farm. All friends and family will be welcomed. Details will be shared at www.gundersonfh.com once determined.

In honor of Nancy's wishes, memorial donations may be made to: Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mount Horeb, St. Dennis Catholic Church in Madison, Deaf Apostolate Rockford Diocese, and Dane County Humane Society in Madison.

The family of Nancy Schaefer would like to take this time to extend their deepest gratitude to Brittany and Jessica from Agrace, her wonderful granddaughter, Ashlee, and special friend, Loni Starr, for their compassionate care and dedication in making her last few years as comfortable as possible.

An Irish Blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And rains fall softly upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May the Good Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077

Nancy E. Schaefer

November 25, 1938 - February 10, 2025

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