Elsie Mae Schafer

Elsie Mae Schafer, 86, of Chebanse, died Monday, March 6, 2023 peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family. Elsie was born May 10, 1936, in L'Erable, the daughter of William and Marie Louise Lanoue Kempen. She was the beloved wife of Donald H. Schafer, whom she married on January 15, 1955 in L’Erable. He preceded her in death on January 8, 2018. Surviving are four daughters and three sons, Kim Schafer Astroth of Normal, Dianne (Terry) Schaafsma of Bourbonnais, Judy Schafer-Torres of Texas, Ann (Keith) Jensen of Clifton, David (Suzie) Schafer of Kankakee, Dennis (Barb) and Dean (Elizabeth) Schafer of Chebanse. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren: Luke and Seth Astroth, Erin Astroth Belt, Kate (Nick) Schaafsma Hornyak, Drew (Ashlee) Schaafsma, Tricia Kendrick, John (Gennifer) Gateley, Jill (Michael) Jackson, Scott (Jenna) Schafer, Beth (Chad) Garrison, Josh and Brooke Schafer, Kyle (Erin) Jensen, Karley (Aaron) Uchida, Allison (Jake) Anderson, Brandon (Aimee) Ponton, Amanda (Justin) Stipp, Joe (Kaley) Ponton, Evan, Ben, William and Landon Schafer and 31 great-grandchildren: Liam Astroth, Louis and Cedric Belt, Finn, Kallie and Cora Hornyak, Saylor Schaafsma, Jade (Alex) Ramart, Max Kendrick, Blane Campbell, Jalynn, Hayden, Maci and Ryleigh Gateley, Abbie, Kinsey, Caden, Cooper, and Lily Jackson, Ainsley and Beau Schafer, Jack, Kennedy and Knox Garrison, Jaxon and Jemma Ponton, Asher and Nora Stipp, Laikyn, Chase and Tate Ponton plus 1 more on the way (at this time). Also surviving are one brother and 3 sisters-in-law, Bob (Kathy) Kempen, MaryAnn Withrow and JoAnn Froidcoeur. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Dawn; one great-grandson, Logan Kendrick; and siblings Bill, Henry and Merrill Kempen, Norma Cowan, Marilyn Geelan, Kathyrn Greenburg, and Betty Lou Fred. Elsie attended school in Ashkum and then Central High School. She was employed over the years at A.O. Smith and Chebanse Ag Service as well as being a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of the Catholic Council of Women at Sts. Mary & Joseph Church. Elsie loved watching Hallmark movies, doing puzzles, and spending time with her family. For many years, Don and Elsie wintered in Arizona where they made many wonderful friends. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday March 12, 2023 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. The funeral Mass be celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable. Burial will follow at Sts. Mary & Joseph Cemetery in Chebanse. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Uplifted Care; for masses; or donor’s choice. .

Elsie Mae Schafer

May 10, 1936 - March 6, 2023