Eva Jean Schaefer

Eva Jean Schaefer, 91, of Peoria, passed away on Friday November 8, 2024 at Apostolic Christian Skylines. She was born on January 16, 1933 in Cissna Park, IL, the daughter of Fred and Leona Knapp. Eva Jean married Herman Schaefer on August 22, 1965 in Cissna Park, IL and they were blessed with 41 years of marriage. He preceded her in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Angie (Geoff) Ginzel and Janell (Wally) McDonald, both of Peoria; one sister, Aldine Locher; one sister-in-law Vera Knapp; three grandchildren, Samantha (Seth) Kieser, Alexandra (Jason) Boucher, and Joshua (Katie) Ginzel.

Her great grandchildren Addy, Lainey, Lily and Maggie, were the light of her life and continued to make her smile even as Alzheimer’s caused her memories to fade. As the disease progressed babies continued to bring her joy and she is now snuggling her great grandbabies that were waiting for her in heaven.

She walked with the Lord for 72 years, loving her church family at the Apostolic Christian Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School.

Eva Jean lived in Hancock, MN and was engaged in the community until 1991 when she moved to Peoria to be closer to family. Eva Jean hosted many parties and gatherings with tables adorned with china purchased from Bergner’s where she worked for many years. She loved meeting new people, decorating for the holidays and helping new brides with their registries. She spent many hours volunteering with the Berean Prison Ministries Bible Study Program. In her free time Eva Jean loved cross stitching, scrapbooking and coloring - if you knew her you probably have at least one of her bookmarks.

Eva Jean called Apostolic Christian Skylines her home for 8 years and her family is extremely grateful for the loving, compassionate and dignified care they provided, especially the wonderful staff in Salem. Her family is also thankful to the staff at Transitions hospice care for making her final days comfortable and peaceful.

Visitation will be from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, November 13th, at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria, with a service following.

Burial will take place privately at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Edwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria.