Obituary of Bernadette M. Schaefer

Bernadette M. Schaefer age 93 of Apple Valley formerly of Le Sueur, spent her last day on earth on Nov. 1, 2015. What greater gift could God give her then to take her home on All Saints Day. Bernadette was born in New York on Dec. 27, 1921. She was put up for adoption and at the young age of 4 rode the orphan train from New York to Nebraska. Her adopted parents waited eagerly to have her as their daughter and become part of their family. She met Francis Schaefer a neighbor and school mate and they were united in marriage in 1943. They were blessed with nine children. After Bernadette's husband died, she moved closer to her children and grandchildren with majority of them living in Minnesota. Bernadette had an active life and enjoyed life to the fullest in Yankton SD and Le Sueur. She had a great love and respect for her family, friends, God and her church. Bernadette enjoyed time volunteering at St. Annes School in Le Sueur. She volunteered in the library and in various classrooms. She was willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed at school. Bernadette also had a love of music. She was a member of St. Annes Choir and sung at various church functions. She was a lector, and a Eucharist Minister. Bernadette had a great empathy for the sick and elderly in Le Sueur. She spent much of her free time in Le Sueur helping others. She enjoyed taking time to visit the sick in the hospital and spending time with the residents at the nursing home. Bernadette was a giver. A giver of anything and everything. She gave and she gave and still found room in her heart to give more. She would help those more fortunate and less fortunate than her. She never judged she just gave. Bernadette's hobbies were nature, butterflies, flowers , trees and birds. Bernadette has her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to carry on her legacy. Surveying Bernadette are her children and spouses, David and (Bonnie) Schaefer, Sioux Falls SD; Mary Anne Doom and friend John, Eden Prairie; Richard and (Sandi) Schaefer, Eagan; Katherine "Kathy" and (Dion) Boldthen, Le Sueur; Gene Schaefer, New Jersey; Susan Schaefer, MN; John and (Michelle) Schaefer, Dresser WI. Her 17 beautiful grandchildren and her 6 precious great grandchildren. Bernadette was preceded in death by her husband, Francis on Dec. 27, 1978. Her young daughter, Donna Mae at the age of 3 on June 9, 1956. Her son, Lawrence in 2013. Her parents, brothers and sisters and many family relatives. Bernadette had a Christian Burial Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, SD. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Yankton on Nov. 13. She was laid to rest by her husband, her son and her daughter