Dorothy Schafer Obituary

Dorothy J. Schafer, 93 years old, passed away at 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at her home in Lakeville, IN surrounded by her loving family. The first of six daughters born to the late George and Mary (Harris) Whybrew, she was born on April 6, 1931 in Mishawaka, IN. The family later moved to Lakeville where she was a lifelong resident.
On November 25, 1950, Dorothy married Charles L. Schafer. Together, they built a life of love and service. Tending a large garden, raising chickens, and fishing trips provided ample food and beautiful flowers for not only their benefit but also their children, grandchildren, and others in the community. In later years, they spent the winter months in Avon Park, FL. They shared 50 loving years until his death on March 14, 2001.
Dorothy's family and friends will remember her as a woman of deep and unwavering faith. Through the years, she was a faithful congregant of Olive Branch United Brethren Church in Lakeville and Florida Avenue Baptist Church in Avon Park, FL. She was most recently a member of Faith Christian Chapel in Lakeville.
Civic engagement and service to others were essential parts of Dorothy's life. She was deeply involved with the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, Lakeville Lions Club, St. Joseph County Indiana Farm Bureau and Center Township Arbor of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society. For many years, she served as dispatcher for the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department from her home. Following her retirement as a claims officer from Benefit Trust Life Insurance Society, she and Charles began traveling internationally for Lions Club International missions.
Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her six children, Jeanine (Thomas) Keb of Bremen, Calvin (Deb) Schafer of Lakeville, Sue (Tom) Kemble of North Liberty, George Schafer of Lakeville, Elton (Brenda) Schafer of Bremen, and John (Debbie) Schafer of Bremen; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are her four sisters, Ellen Rensberger of Roann, IN, Mary Beth Anders of Niles, MI, Georgalee Schriver of South Bend, and Ruth Deacon of Mishawaka. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles; son, James (passed at birth); great-grandchildren, Jacob Keb and Mack Budzielek; and sister, Pat Balmer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the Palmer Funeral Home, within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dorothy J. Schafer may be donated to Faith Christian Chapel, 20876 Pierce Road, Lakeville, IN 46536, Lakeville Lions Club, P.O. Box 506, Lakeville, IN 46536, The St. Joseph County 4-H Scholarship Fund, 5117 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46614 or Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Drive, Unit D., Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be offered to the Schafer family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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