Donna B. Schaefer Obituary (1931 - 2016)

Donna B. Schaefer, 84 years of age, of Lincoln, formerly of Beatrice, passed away unexpectedly at the Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln Wednesday afternoon, June 1, 2016. She was born on September 9, 1931 at Blue Springs, NE to John and Jane (Bevins) Fralin, and was a 1948 graduate of Beatrice High School. She was employed at F.D. Kees Manufacturing in Beatrice for 40 years as an Executive Secretary and Assistant, retiring in 1987. Donna and George J. Schaefer Jr. were married on October 3, 1964. She has been a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice for over 50 years; member of the Federated Women's Club; past president of the Lioness Club; Meals on Wheels volunteer; Secretary of the Pershing College Trustee Wives (Avant Garde); past longtime member of, and past Second Vice President of the Women's Division of the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce; Republican Committeewoman 12 years; Tutored Hispanic Residents to speak English during her winter vacations, receiving the Master Tutor Certificate; local American Cancer Society Unit Service and Rehab Chairman, chaired Annual Business Drive, chaired or co-chaired the Golf Championship for 13 years, and served as Gage County Secretary; State American Cancer Society Board of Directors, United Standard Committee Chairperson, Area District Representative, State Special Events Chairman, Crusade Committee, Nominating Committee, and attended national meetings in Houston, New Orleans, Denver and Atlanta. She enjoyed needlepoint, golfing, bowling, flowers, and gardening. Survivors include her son Jack L. Schultz (Kathy)- Lincoln; step sons George J. Schaefer III (Jannie)- Beatrice, Mike Schaefer (Shelley)- Beatrice, and Steve Schaefer (Rose)- Lincoln; special friend Harold "Bud" Gibson of Waverly; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother Robert Fralin of Fremont; and 3 nieces and 1 nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George J. Schaefer Jr. (2001); sister Betty Bohnetedt; and granddaughter Lori Schaefer. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 6, 2016 at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice with Reverend Mark Schutt officiating. Interment will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery. The body will lie in state Sunday from noon-8:00 PM at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice and at the church one hour preceding the service on Monday. A family prayer service will be held at 10:45 AM Monday at the church. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society, Gage County Humane Society, and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Child Advocacy Center with the funeral home in charge. Sign Donna's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.