Obit: Schaeffer, Valera J. (1925 – 2009)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schaeffer, Linell, Fitzpatrick, Frederick, McCarthy, Van Grinsven, Merkel, Marheine, Schlaak, Harris, Blang, Bloom, Schrieber, Hiles, Sisco, Beckman, Johnson, Jury

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) March 11, 2009

Schaeffer, Valera J. (25 December 1925 – 3 March 2009)

Valera “Joyce” Schaeffer 83, passed away surrounded by her loving family at her side Tuesday, March 3, 2009.

She was born Dec. 25, 2925, in Marshfield, the daughter of the late Rupert and Stella C. (Linell) Fitzpatrick. Joyce enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, going to the casino, reading and doing embroidery.

Joyce is survived by her children, Sheila (Don) Frederick of Appleton, James McCarthy and Betsy of Oregon, Ronald McCarthy and Cherrie Van Grinsven of Appleton and Dorothy McCarthy of Appleton; grandchildren, Doug and Tom Frederick, Graham and Hailey McCarthy, Ryan McCarthy, Adam Merkel and Lance Marheine and Clay McCarthy, Mandy Schlaak and Derrick Harris; three great-grandchildren; brothers Kenneth, Gary and Keith Fitzpatrick; and sisters, Chita Blang, Mickey Bloom and Arlene Schrieber.

Joyce was preceded in death by Robert McCarthy and Gerald Schaeffer; son Joseph McCarthy; sisters, Marie Hiles, Blanch Sisco, Dorothy Beckman and Echo Johnson; and brother, Duane Fitzpatrick.

A visitation for Joyce was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 Superior St. Appleton. There also was a visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Burial was in Sullivan Cemetery, Town of Brockway. Pastor Kathleen Jury officiated.