Vivian A. Schaefer

Kimberly - It is with great sadness that the Schaefer family announces the death of our much loved mother Vivian Schaefer who passed away on September 19, 2024 at the age of 90. The daughter of Albert & Delia Van Lanen, Vivian was born on March 8, 1934 and grew up in Kaukauna. A graduate of Kaukauna High School Class of 1952, Vivian was blessed to have formed lifelong friendships with a few of the girls she grew up with. 

After graduating from high school, Vivian went to work as a secretary for the H.F. McAndrews Law firm in Kaukauna. It was at a social gathering that Vivian met a wonderful young man from Appleton named Joseph “Jack” Schaefer. After Jack completed his military service, he and Vivian were united in marriage on May 30, 1956. They celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Vivian and Jack were proud residents of Kimberly for 60+ years where they raised their family of 6 children. Al (Sue) Schaefer, Amy (Steve) Wieckert, Joe (Barb) Schaefer, Jane Schaefer, Paula (Jon) Sanders and Patrick (Jane) Schaefer. 

Vivian was a very busy stay at home mom with six active children who kept her on the go with their countless activities and participation in many organizations and athletics. When she had free time, Vivian enjoyed participating in sports as well, including, bowling, golfing, swimming and volleyball. In retirement years in Florida, Vivian was known for being a fabulous bocce ball player. She was also a very avid reader. Above all, Vivian excelled at playing cards, was a member of a number of bridge clubs for over 50 years and enjoyed a lively game of sheepshead with her kids or siblings. After retirement, it was not unusual for Vivian and Jack to spend mornings in their pajamas playing cards. 

Vivian especially enjoyed the companionship of her nine grandchildren. Christopher Schaefer, Taylor (Nick) Geske, Amber (Corey) Evers, Amanda (Erik) Nelson, Samantha Schaefer, Brandon Schaefer, Jack Sanders, Noah Sanders and Ryan (fiancé Kylie) Schaefer. Most recently she became the proud great grandma of Dax & Crew Geske and Henry & Evelyn Evers.

Vivian and Jack were blessed to enjoy happy retirement years at the family cottage in Townsend, WI as well as spending their winters as snowbirds in Bowling Green, FL. They volunteered for meals on wheels and on various committees at Holy Spirit Church. 

Besides her immediate family, Vivian is survived by a dear family friend Sister Diane Jamison, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Jack and their son Joe, as well as her and Jack’s siblings, their spouses & family members. 

The Schaefer Family would like to thank the entire staff of Country Villas, Little Chute for their wonderful care of mom the past two years as well as Bluestone Physicians. We are especially thankful, for the loving care given to mom by the staff of Moments Hospice, particularly Ellen and Melissa to whom we will be forever grateful. 

A funeral mass celebrating Vivian’s life will be held Friday, October 4th at 11:00am at Holy Spirit Church, 620 E. Kimberly Ave. Kimberly WI. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 9:00am until the time of the mass. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Vivian’s memory to Moments Hospice Foundation or the Kimberly Recreation Association, P.O. Box 111 Kimberly, WI 54136 for the Verhagen Park Improvement Fund which will include a bench in memory of Vivian & Jack. For more information and to express condolences please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

Her wings were ready to carry her to heaven, our hearts were not ready to let her go.