Marjorie Ellen "Marge" Schaefers
March 8, 1937 — May 5, 2021
Marjorie Ellen “Marge” Schaefers, 84, formerly of Center Point, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at The Views in Marion, surrounded by her loving family. A family Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point, Iowa. A visitation will follow from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Walker, Iowa, conducted by Reverend Jim Brokman. Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Masonville, Iowa, officiated by Reverend Gabriel Anderson. All guests are respectfully requested to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. A livestream of the Funeral Mass may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Marge, under “photos and videos or media”, starting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Marge was born on March 8, 1937, in Masonville, Iowa, the daughter of John and Mary Mildred (McElliott) Nolan. She was a 1954 graduate of Lamont High School. On January 27, 1959, Marge married the love of her life, Gregory Raphael Schaefers, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage, loving one another unconditionally.
Marge worked for the Center Point-Urbana School District as school board secretary (bookkeeper) for 21 years, retiring in 1999. During retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, playing cards, and spending time with her family.
Family was of the upmost importance to Marge. When she was 13 years old, her mother passed away. Her father was forever grateful that she spent the next ten years helping to care for her four younger siblings. After Marge had her own family, she continued to be the heart of the family, organizing gatherings and cooking everyone’s favorites. When her father was no longer able to live independently, Marge welcomed him into her home and cared for him during his remaining years.
Marge was known for her quick-witted humor, having an open mind, and her ability to view things from a variety perspectives. She shared many bits of wisdom with her family, one of which was to never discuss religion or politics in a social setting. She was proud of her Irish heritage, a fierce and competitive card player, and loved to watch her favorite sports teams: Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame, and Iowa Hawkeyes. Softball was another favorite, as she served as the official scorekeeper for the Center Point-Urbana Softball team for many years and even played softball herself in high school.
Marge is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Gregory R. Schaefers of Marion; three children, Ellen (Gregory) Mihm of New Auburn, Wisconsin, Margaret “Peg” Wilwert of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Janet (Gary) Freese of Monticello, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Beth Duerr, David Mihm, Gregory Wilwert, Olivia ‘Libby’ (David) Martzahn, Lauren (Clay) Craighton, Meggie Wilwert, and Matthew Freese; four great-granddaughters, Bevin, Adria, and Emery Mihm, and Nolan Duerr; and a great-grandson due in August; two sisters, Rose Nolan and Kay Kayser, both of Cedar Rapids; and her sister in-law, Carolyn Nolan of Cedar Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Nolan; sister, Betty Achey; brother-in-law, Gene Kayser; and son-in-law, Jeffrey Wilwert.
The family extends a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice, especially Jake and Judy, and the staff of The Views of Marion, for providing excellent personalized care for Marge.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials in Marge’s memory may be made to the Center Point-Urbana Community School District Foundation.
Marge was born on March 8, 1937, in Masonville, Iowa, the daughter of John and Mary Mildred (McElliott) Nolan. She was a 1954 graduate of Lamont High School. On January 27, 1959, Marge married the love of her life, Gregory Raphael Schaefers, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage, loving one another unconditionally.
Marge worked for the Center Point-Urbana School District as school board secretary (bookkeeper) for 21 years, retiring in 1999. During retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, playing cards, and spending time with her family.
Family was of the upmost importance to Marge. When she was 13 years old, her mother passed away. Her father was forever grateful that she spent the next ten years helping to care for her four younger siblings. After Marge had her own family, she continued to be the heart of the family, organizing gatherings and cooking everyone’s favorites. When her father was no longer able to live independently, Marge welcomed him into her home and cared for him during his remaining years.
Marge was known for her quick-witted humor, having an open mind, and her ability to view things from a variety perspectives. She shared many bits of wisdom with her family, one of which was to never discuss religion or politics in a social setting. She was proud of her Irish heritage, a fierce and competitive card player, and loved to watch her favorite sports teams: Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame, and Iowa Hawkeyes. Softball was another favorite, as she served as the official scorekeeper for the Center Point-Urbana Softball team for many years and even played softball herself in high school.
Marge is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Gregory R. Schaefers of Marion; three children, Ellen (Gregory) Mihm of New Auburn, Wisconsin, Margaret “Peg” Wilwert of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Janet (Gary) Freese of Monticello, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Beth Duerr, David Mihm, Gregory Wilwert, Olivia ‘Libby’ (David) Martzahn, Lauren (Clay) Craighton, Meggie Wilwert, and Matthew Freese; four great-granddaughters, Bevin, Adria, and Emery Mihm, and Nolan Duerr; and a great-grandson due in August; two sisters, Rose Nolan and Kay Kayser, both of Cedar Rapids; and her sister in-law, Carolyn Nolan of Cedar Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Nolan; sister, Betty Achey; brother-in-law, Gene Kayser; and son-in-law, Jeffrey Wilwert.
The family extends a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice, especially Jake and Judy, and the staff of The Views of Marion, for providing excellent personalized care for Marge.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials in Marge’s memory may be made to the Center Point-Urbana Community School District Foundation.
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