"Jean was my aerobics buddy, and she was 79 years old when I joined the class! Jean always came in smiling. :) When we would leave class, she would always say, "have a happy day." What a positive, wonderful and sweet lady. My heart goes out to all of you."
In loving memory of
Emily "Jean" Schaeffer
April 3, 1926 - October 23, 2015
MADISON- Emily "Jean" (Stedronsky) Schaeffer, age 89, died peacefully in her home on Friday, October 23, 2015 in Madison, Wisconsin. Jean was born on April 3, 1926, in Wagner, South Dakota. She was the eleventh of 12 children born to Emily and John Stedronsky. She moved to Seattle, WA during World War II to work for Boeing, returning to South Dakota to attend college. She graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Home Economics. She married her college sweetheart, Marvin in 1950, moved to Nebraska, and then to Wisconsin Rapids, WI where they had four children. Her husband's career with the Department of Transportation took them to Eau Claire and then to Madison, where they retired.
Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, Marvin J. Schaeffer; her four children; Holly Frey (husband Tom) of Virginia Beach, VA; Barbara Pritchard (husband Keith) of Waynesville, MO; John Schaeffer, of Madison, WI, and Gail Nennig (husband DuWayne) of Plano, TX; nine grandchildren; TJ Frey (wife Sarah) of Fallon, NV, Emily Pritchard of Sacramento, CA, Ashley (Nennig) Crank (husband Roy) of Oklahoma City, OK, Elizabeth Frey of Milton, FL, Katie Pritchard of Springfield, MO, Molly Pritchard of Columbia, MO, Alyssa Nennig of Plano TX, Kristen Frey, of Virginia Beach, VA, and AJ Nennig of Plano, TX.
Church, family, and friends were the center of Jean's life. Jean loved music and sang in the church choir, participated in several Madison Opera productions, and was a faithful member of the Allegro music group. Jean also enjoyed traveling and gardening. She has been active in the American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, PEO, and Covenant Presbyterian Church. She played bridge and golf with her many friends. Even though she suffered from Alzheimer's disease the past three years, she never lost her sense of humor, her enjoyment of friends and family, and her concern for others. She was always positive and a joy to be around.
A funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Friday, October 30, 2015 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53705. Visitation will be at the church from 2:00 to 3:00 prior to the service on Friday. Private burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens.
Memorials in Jean's honor are appreciated to Covenant Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer's Alliance, 517 N. Segoe Rd. #301, Madison, WI 53705.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406
Tributes
"Jean was a light in our cut-du-sac. When I first moved to Tamarack she greeted me warmly. She was always interested in my flower gardens. She had a beautiful smile and a kind heart, even to the very end of her life. She will certainly be missed."
"Barb and family, My heart goes out to you on the loss of your Mom. I have such great memories of your Moms smile and welcoming spirit whenever I spent time at your house. She created such a great environment for all of you to flourish. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Nancy (Strand) Bacharach"
"We are so sorry to hear of Jean's death. It was a joy to sing with her all the years we were in Covenant Choir, and she was always interested in our family. She was a lovely and kind lady and it was a privilege to know her. Sue and Don Emerich"