Eileen C. Schaefer

Eileen Clara (Schilling) Schaefer, 88, of Bellevue, died Friday, January 09, 2009 at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, surrounded by her loving family. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday January 12, at St. Josephs Catholic Church Bellevue. Rev. Msgr. Thomas E. Toale will officiate. The Reverend Richard L. Schaefer will concelebrate. Burial will be in St. Josephs Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, January 11, at St. Josephs Catholic Church and again Monday at church from 9:30 until time of Mass. A Scripture Vigil Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the church Eileen was born on March 29, 1920 in LaMotte, Ia to Andrew and Christina (Berthel) Schilling. Eileen married Albert Schaefer on October 4, 1939 in LaMotte, Ia. They operated the family farms west of Bellevue for 35 years. Eileen was employed at St. Josephs elementary and Marquette Highschools hot lunch program - her career spanning 43, years- until she retired at age 81. She was an active volunteer at St. Joseph Church, Mill Valley Care Center, and the Bellevue Catholic school system, and she was a long-standing member of the Rosary Society. She particularly enjoyed a good game of cards with her friends. Surviving are her seven children: Joseph (Carol) Schaefer of Ankeny, Ia; Rev. Richard L. Schaefer of Dubuque Ia.; Larry (Kay) Schaefer of Bloomfield, Mi; Robert (Kathy) Schaefer of Huntington Beach, Ca; Tom (Margaret) Schaefer of Dubuque; Jim (Carol) Schaefer of Opelika, Al; and Mary Sue (Ron) Grecco of Tulsa, Ok; thirteen grandchildren: Amy Akers, John and Jason Buchanan, Carrie Weston, Tony Grecco, Valerie Lawler, Sarah, Brian, Michael, Katie, Megan, Kathryn, Mark, and Pam Schaefer; fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Bernice Ehlers, two brothers, Russell (Joan) Schilling and Lester (Bonnie) Schilling; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Salm, and a brother-in-law, Milo Kueter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her parents; her step-father, George Roth; a brother, Lawrence Schilling; and sisters, Bertha Hallahan, Mary Kueter, and Dorothy Meyer. Eileen will always be remembered as a gentle soul. Her honesty and generosity, kindness and nurturing nature were an inspiration to all she met. She was a wonderful hostess who welcomed anyone into her home. She was a devoted wife, neighbor, and friend who will be missed by many. The family wishes to thank Dr. Thomas Sinsky, Dr. Mary OConnell, Medical Associates, all the nurses and medical staff at Mercy Hospital and Manor Care, and Hospice of Dubuque for their excellent and compassionate care for our Mother. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lemkefuneralhome.net.