Obituaries : Gregory R. Schaefers

Gregory R. Schaefers, 90, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point, Iowa. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at St. Mary's Church in Urbana, Iowa, with an additional visitation one hour before the start of Mass. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Masonville, Iowa.

Greg was born on April 10, 1934, near Garnavillo, Iowa, the son of George and Leona (Matt) Schaefers. He graduated from Volga High School in 1953. On January 27, 1959, he married the love of his life, Marjorie Ellen Nolan, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville, Iowa. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage, loving one another unconditionally.

Greg retired in 1999 from Center Point-Urbana School District as director of maintenance and custodial services, after 24 years of dedicated service. Previously, he worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 20 years. During retirement, he enjoyed traveling, playing cards, gardening, and spending time with family.

Greg was known for his intelligence, quick wit, sense of humor, caring and uncomplaining nature, wood working skills, and his ability to fix virtually anything. Family was of the utmost importance to him. Nothing gave him more joy than seeing them gather for celebrations and participate in family traditions, such as making sausage, applesauce, and "rock" candy.

Greg felt it was important to raise his three daughters to be strong, confident, capable women who would know how to take care of themselves in the world. One of his greatest legacies is the lessons he taught all of those he touched, especially daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Every encounter he had with another person was a teaching opportunity. He was a positive force who made everyone and everything around him better.

Greg is survived and lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Ellen (Gregory) Mihm of New Auburn, Wisconsin, Margaret "Peg" Wilwert of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Janet (Gary) Freese of Mon􀆟cello, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Beth Duerr, David Mihm, Gregory Wilwert, Olivia (David) Martzahn, Lauren (Clay) Craighton, Meggie Wilwert, and Ma􀆩hew Freese; six great-grandchildren, Bevin, Adria, and Emery Mihm, Nolan Duerr, Cael Craighton, Malia Martzahn, and a great-granddaughter due in November; one brother Lavern (Connie) Schaefers; one sister, Mary Schaefers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Francis (Pearl) Schaefers; sister and brother-in-law, Lois (Harold) Mueller; and son-in-law, Jeffrey Wilwert.

The family extends special thanks to Carmen and all the staff at The Views of Marion for their exceptional, personalized care of Greg over the last five years.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be directed in Greg's memory to the Center Point-Urbana School Educational Foundaton, which provides grants for teacher classrooms. Please send donations directly and payable to CPU Foundation at PO Box 8, Center Point, IA 52213.