Bernice Alice (Johnson) Schafer

In Loving Memory of

Bernice Alice Schafer

Bernice Schafer was born on September 8, 1928, on the family farm in Mason Township, Murray County, Minnesota to Herman and Caroline Reinholdt Johnson.  She grew up on the family farm and attended County School District #2 and graduated from Slayton High School in 1947.  After graduation Bernice worked for Audrey James the County Superintendent.  On June 24, 1951, she and Harold Schafer were married in Mankato, MN.  Following their marriage, they farmed north of Slayton and raised their three children.  Bernice was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker.  She was a great seamstress and enjoyed sewing for her children and grandchildren.  In 1994, they retired and moved to Slayton.  Harold passed away on July 2, 2013.  Bernice moved to Sunrise Terrace in Slayton in 2017 and enjoyed her friends and many laughs were shared while doing puzzles together.  She then moved to Lindenwood Assisted Living in Slayton in July 2023.  Bernice passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the age of 95 at the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, MN.  Bernice was a lifetime member of Lake Sarah Baptist Church in rural Slayton where she served as Sunday School teacher, Ladies Group Chairman, and on the Mission Committee.  She was a member of the Mason Belles Extension, served on the Prairie View Board and was involved in Christian Women for many years.  Bernice enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, embroidering dish towels, bingo, and watching the Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves.   Her greatest joy was being with her family and being a mom, grandma, and great grandma.  She loved her extended family, and many reunions were planned by her. 

Survivors include her three children, Douglas Schafer of Worthington, MN, Shelley and Phil Sweetman of Slayton, MN, and Sue and John Peters of Sauk Centre, MN, six grandchildren, Shannon Sweetman (Jay Fourniea), Stacie (Nick) Obermoller, Jake (Makenzie) Sweetman, Joe (Chelsy) Peters, Maggie Peters (Dylan Bangert), and Shane Sweetman, 14 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Eileen Johnson of Marshall, MN and Shirley Johnson of Slayton, MN and many loved nieces and nephews and their families.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harold, seven siblings, Violet Eichten, Virgil Johnson, Verna “Tricky” Joosten, Ray Johnson, Lloyd Johnson, Jesse Johnson, and Earl Johnson. 

Funeral Services

Lake Sarah Baptist Church in rural Slayton, MN on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Kory Tedrick officiating.  The pianist is Jen Tramm  with special music by Tom Hook.  The pallbearers are Shane Sweetman, Shannon Sweetman, Stacie Obermoller, Joe Peters, Jacob Sweetman, Maggie Peters, Sophie Larson and Jackson Landmeier.  Interment is at Lake Sarah Baptist Cemetery in rural Slayton, MN. 

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at church on Wednesday.  Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements.  To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

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