Kathleen L. Schaefer

Kathleen Louise Schaefer

11/21/50 – 8/25/26

With a heavy heart, we announce the death of Kathleen Louise Schaefer of Greendale, Wisconsin, born in Omaha, Nebraska. She passed, surrounded by family, on August 25, 2026, at the age of 75. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Doris Donahoe, in-laws Ezra and Getrude, brother Timothy, sisters and brother-in-law Judy (Thomas) and Gwen. She is survived by her loving husband, John, her foster son Vernon, sister-in-law Cindy, her brothers and sisters  Brian (Amy), Kevin (Darlene), Edward, Caroline Fuchs (Jim), James (Lori), and Patricia Roundy (Dan); and her numerous nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends, along with her cats Oliver and Stella.

Being the oldest of eight children, she ended up helping to raise her siblings, which naturally led her to pursue a dedicated career as a teacher receiving the prestigious Teacher of the Year award from state of Wisconsin. She got her BA from UW-Whitewater and her MA with a focus on learning disabilities from UW- Madison. She spent most of her time teaching in South Central Wisconsin with a notable exception of a 2-year stint in the UK near London. She with John enjoyed over twenty years of retirement traveling to Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, and Iceland with friends met while teaching in the UK. Later her favorite was their annual winter getaways in Siesta Key. She and John were known for hosting the annual family reunions and their nieces and nephews for extended stays. She loved reading, enjoyed watching the birds at her feeders, and occasionally going to the casino, and almost always had at least one cat companion at home. In lieu of flowers please donate to American Diabetes Association. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

Visitation will be Saturday September 12, 2026, at the Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel (4747 S 60th St., Greenfield) from 11:00am until 1:00pm with a short service to follow.