Claire Rosemary Witte Schaefer

Claire R. Schaefer (Witte), age 95, was taken into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, September 3, 2012 at Heather Hills Care Center. She was born on January 6, 1917, to Fred and Mayme Witte and was united in loving marriage to Robert K. Schaefer for 68 years. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Carroll; sons Jerry (Polly Hewitt); Robert (GeneAnn); and Jeffrey (Michelle), in addition to grandchildren Shellie Jeffries (Tony Kroes), Dani Jeffries (Mike Fairman), Tami Kelley, Zak Schaefer (Lana Rakhman), Stacey Schaefer, Harvey Schaefer, Mason Schaefer, and Katherine Schaefer. Her husband Robert and four of Claire’s beloved children were awaiting her arrival in Heaven: Mary Suzanne, Michael, Jamie Jean and Tim, as well as her grandson, Chris Jeffries. She is also survived by siblings Kay Yost, Joan Host, and Tom Witte. Claire was a devoted lifelong Catholic and longtime member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church, where she was a tireless volunteer. She was a talented artist and hand-painted ceramic figurines well into her 90s. Claire loved playing (and winning) at cards and golf, and created the popular clown character, Alfie, to entertain sick children at local hospitals. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 7, at 10:00am at St. Jude’s Catholic Church. The family will be available for visitation at 9:00am at the church with a luncheon following.