Sharon Jean (Koehler) Schafer

Sharon Jean Schafer, 82 years old, of Sutter, Illinois, daughter to Herbert and Elsie (Wollbrink) Koehler, has gone to be with the Lord on Monday, June 13, 2022, in her home. 

She was born October 22, 1939, in Keokuk, Iowa.  Survived by her husband, Robert Schafer, daughters Penny Schafer and Gena Dewald and family (husband Duane, Kortney, Ismael, and Gracie Gutierrez, Jordan, Phillip, and Allison (Fiancé Robert), son Troy Schafer and family (wife Michelle, daughters, Rochelle (daughter Jordan), Holly (daughter Zoey), Drew (son Lincoln), Katielyn (husband Joshua) Koechle, and Benjamin Schafer).  Those who will carry on her legacy and stories include sisters Patricia McMillen, and Nadine (Willard) Savage, her friends and cousins including too many to note, and numerous nieces and nephews who also have their families.  

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Weldon McMillen, her niece Robin McMillen and her nephew Robert Savage. 

Sharon’s passion for music became prevalent in the 8th grade.  Beginning in the 8th grade, she served as the organist at Bethlehem United Church of Christ for approximately 65 plus years.  While her memory continued to be impacted by the aging process, she could frequently be heard singing hymns joyously on Sunday mornings.  

Sharon was a graduate of Warsaw High School in 1957.  She went on to serve as the organist at Bethlehem United Church of Christ and for numerous weddings, funerals, and band competition accompanist for over 65 years. She was also a teacher of the piano and organ, including the Bethlehem United Church of Christ organists today Marilee Jacquot and Jennifer Smith.  She frequently spoke fondly of her employment with the Hill Dodge Banking Company.  She left the Bank shortly after Robert and she began to build their family.  

Sharon had many hobbies and interests. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and always took care of her family. She worked in the garden and on the farm with her husband, often riding with him and providing home-cooked meals. Some of her favorite hobbies included all kinds of dancing, golfing and traveling, especially when the traveling included golfing. 

Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, June 17, 2022, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Sutter, Illinois, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 am until noon directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethlehem United Church of Christ of Sutter or Memorial Hospital Foundation (memo Maple Memory Care).

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