Geraldine Schafer Obituary

Geraldine Frances (Streng) Schafer, affectionately known as Gerry, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on January 27, 2026, at Comfort Care in Mt. Pleasant, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 10, 1939, she was the youngest of five children born to Joseph E. and Dorothy B. (Andres) Streng. She was welcomed into the home by her elder siblings, Patricia, Fred, Maxine, and Vera. A 1957 graduate of Beal City High School, Gerry married the love of her life, Richard 'Dick' Schafer, on July 4, 1959, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Beal City. They shared 66 wonderful years of marriage.

Gerry's career included roles at the Davis Clinic, Isabella Bank, and as a teacher's aide at Beal City Elementary for nine years. She also dedicated ten years to teaching religious education at St. Joseph the Worker School. Her talents in baking and sewing were well-known, with her sweet rolls being a family favorite.

A devout Catholic, Gerry was a lifelong member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, where she actively participated in the Council of Catholic Women and the church choir (since 1978). Her passion for quilting was evident through her involvement with the Weidman Country Quilters. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed playing cards with her closest friends for many years. Gerry's love for her family was unparalleled. The matriarch of the Schafer Family, Gerry cherished every moment spent with them, especially when attending her grandchildren's events.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Schafer; her children, Kurt Schafer, Lucinda (Perry) Stancato, Kim (Don) Huber, Dottie (Pat) Norris, Michelle (Jeff) Hunter; and daughter in-law, Stacy Schafer. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Brianna (Jordan) Bitzer, Brooke (Brett) Bechtel, Karly (David) Gibson, Samantha (Tyler) Garney, Logan (Hunter) Schafer, Hayden (Samantha) Huber, Grant (Emma) Norris, Noah Schafer, Chloe (Nik) Seibold, Alexandra (Luke) Buesser, Lindsey Stancato, Brady (Kate) Hunter, Isaac Schafer, and Sophie Schafer; and 13 great-grandchildren with 3 great-grandchildren expected in 2026. Gerry is also survived by her loving sister, Maxine (Bob) Finnerty; brothers and sisters in-law, Pat Streng, Rosy Curtiss, Rod Vogler, Don (Sue) Schafer, Wayne (Connie) Schafer, Paulette (Neal) Wood, and Keith (Kim) Schafer; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Gerry was predeceased by her beloved son Vince Schafer; daughter in-law Kelly Schafer; brother, Fred Streng; sisters, Pat (and Bob) Fate, Vera Vogler; and brother in-law, Bob Curtiss.

A Funeral Mass for Gerry will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 31, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Father Andy LaFramboise will preside. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery concluding with a luncheon at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. The family will receive friends in the gathering room of the church on Friday from 4-7 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues on Saturday one hour before Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church or School, or Heartland Hospice.

The Schafer Family thanks the staff at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility and the staff at Comfort Care for the compassionate and loving care they provided Gerry.