Suzanne M. Schaefer

Suzanne M Schaefer, 90, a longtime resident of Waukesha, was born to eternal life on Saturday, July 6, 2024. She was born on August 12, 1933, the daughter of Lee and Esther (Berry) Saubert.

Sue was a 1951 graduate of Waukesha High School where she enjoyed watching the many athletic events that her father coached. She earned a double major in Psychology and Early Childhood Education and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Sue taught Kindergarten in Fond du Lac, Wauwatosa, Biloxi, Mississippi, and Waukesha.

In 1957, Sue married, our beloved father, Major Ernst H. Schaefer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and together they shared 43 years of marriage. Sue supported Ernie as they moved from one Air Force base to another before retiring and returning to Waukesha in 1971. Sue found great joy in supporting her children and grandchildren in their many endeavors.

As a young girl, Sue spent many hours helping her father on his mink ranch. Sue and Ernie enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors, playing Bridge, bowling in leagues, and watching sports. Sue was an active volunteer in the community as a member of Waukesha Service Club and Senior League, Waukesha Symphony League, Catholic Study Club, Practical Club, Happy Bookers and Foxie Ladies.

Sue and Ernie were blessed with six wonderful children: Lee Ann (David) Overman, Tom (Michele), Barbara, Kim, Dawn and Rob (Annie) Schaefer. Sue is the beloved Grandma to: Maggie (Jon), Abbie, Caitlin (Charlie), Danica (Nick), Kierrin (Josh), Mary (Will), David, Katie, Isaiah, Levi and Jonah. She had 15 great-grandchildren: Opie, Penny, Asher, Sarah, Molly, Walter, Quill, Benjamin, Luca, Stevie, Nix, Ezrah, Soren, Iverson and Atticus. Sue is further survived by Paul (Cheryl), Jim, and Sheila (Richard) Casey, the Perrigo Family: Will (Jackie), Penny (Ed) Wistl, Robert, and David (Sherri), her cousin Kae Miller, brother-in-law, Rocky Schaefer, sister-in-law Jeannie Nowak, lifelong friend, Nancy Stechschulte and many other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Ernie Schaefer, her parents, Lee and Esther Saubert, and her sisters Madeline Saubert and Mary Lee (Bruce) Casey. 

A visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Avenue in Waukesha, WI, on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 9-11am. A funeral Mass will follow at 11am. There will be a light lunch in the community room following Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Waukesha Service Club. 

We would like to extend our gratitude to ProHealth Hospice Care for their amazing compassion and kindness to our mom and family.