Wilma Schafer

Wilma Schafer, 81, of Le Sueur, passed away surrounded by family Thursday, December 16, 2014 at the Minnesota Valley Health Center in Le Sueur. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in LeSueur. Visitation is one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be held at a later date in Parker's Lake Cemetery, Plymouth, MN. Wilma was born on December 6, 1933 in Akin, Illinois to Oscar and Monnie Whetstone. After her high school graduation, she moved to Peoria, Illinois where she worked for several years as a juvenile court officer. It was in Peoria that she met her husband, Kenneth Schafer. Wilma and Ken were married in October of 1958, and moved to Minnesota shortly after. Daughters Debra and Lisa were born in Minnesota. Wilma and her family moved to Tyrone Township in 1972, where Ken started Highcroft Co., his manufacturing business. Wilma worked for many years in the Green Giant seed house, and was very active in the United Methodist Church of Le Sueur. She loved entertaining friends and family at her home, and she was rarely seen without her "signature" red lipstick. She spent a lot of time in her garden, and enjoyed sewing baby quilts for expecting parents. Wilma is survived by her husband, Ken; daughters Debra (Wesley) Karels of Le Sueur and Lisa (Dave) Schafer of Glenwood; grandchildren Jason (Tonya) Karels of Alexandria, Kacie Karels of Le Sueur, Ian Karels of Le Sueur, Cam Schafer of Clearbrook; great-granddaughter Abigail Karels of Alexandria; two sisters and a brother; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, an infant grandson, four sisters, and six brothers.