Joan Mary Schaefer

Joan Mary Schaefer of Elm Grove, WI passed away peacefully and was welcomed into eternal life on January 4, 2022 at the age of 90.  Joan was born in 1931 to Daniel and Esther.

Joan was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Gail.  Joan is survived by her beloved husband, Donald, dear brother Tom and cherished sons Jeffrey and Donald.  She was the proud and loving grandmother to Lindsay, Alyssa, Matthew and Annaliese.

Joan earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.  She married Donald W. Schaefer, who was her loving husband for 67 years.  Joan and Don enjoyed attending Badger football games.  Together they shared a passion for travel and toured Europe, the United States, New Zealand and Alaska.  Joan was a talented oil painter, enjoyed sewing her own clothes, tended her garden and was active in tennis, skiing, sailing and boating.  Joan & Don enjoyed summers in Northern Wisconsin and winters in Florida.  Joan loved to walk the beaches in Florida collecting shells.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Ms. Pat Sass and staff at the Congregational Home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at Becker Ritter Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00AM at the Becker Ritter Funeral Home, with internment to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the University of Wisconsin Foundation Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund – 112586692.

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