Mary (Reigstad) Schaefer

Mary Jane Schaefer, 76, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2025 at Rice Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones.  Her funeral service will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, June 18 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of the service.  Burial will be at Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Mary was born on March 26, 1949, to Clarence and Martha (Ruter) Reigstad in Willmar. She graduated from Willmar High School in 1968. In June of 1970, she professed to be saved and was committed to share her story with others. On June 16, 1973, Mary married the love of her life, John Schaefer at Gospel Hall in Willmar. To this union they were blessed with two children: Phillip and Jennifer.

Mary dedicated many years to being a homemaker and took immense joy in raising her children. Over the years, she also held several jobs working part-time as a cook and spent 17 years at Maracom Corp in Willmar.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She delighted in bringing joy to others through her baking. If you were ever lucky enough to have had one of her caramel rolls, you know how talented she was in the kitchen. However, her real passion was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mary also had a talent for decorating and entertaining and she kept her home clean and welcoming for visitors. Mary was a member at Gospel Hall in Willmar.

She is survived by her husband, John; her children, Phillip (Brenda) Schaefer, with their children Emma (fiancé Jack Vinje), Evan, and Nora; and Jennifer Lownsbury, with her children Chloe and Cooper. She is also survived by her siblings: Lila (Alfred) Gregersen, Diane (John) Peterson, Martin (Karmen) Reigstad, Sandy Reigstad, and Clair (Polly) Reigstad; her sister-in-law, Julie Reigstad; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Martha; and two siblings: Shirley (Art) Baker and Larry Reigstad.

 

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