Mrs. Schaefer retired from Sears after 17 years of employment. She was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, and a member of the rosary group at church. Vera was also a member of Western Catholic Union, Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary Post 370, the St. Louis Metro Polka Club, and Meat Cutters Union Local 534 retirees.
Vera and her husband, Clarence, loved to dance, especially the polka, the cha cha, and the swing. They attended many polka festivals throughout the country. The last two years, they danced the senior dances in the area on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Smerek; and two brothers, John and Stephen Smerek. Stephen was killed in Operation Tiger, while on maneuvers in the English Channel. The Germans sank Stephen’s LSD prior to the D Day Invasion. Stephen’s son, Nicholas, has passed away since.
Surviving are her husband of 67 years, Clarence J. Schaefer, whom she married September 21, 1948;
two sons, Stephen M. Schaefer (Tammy Seiber),
and Dennis M. (Diane) Schaefer;
one daughter, Mary Ann Schaefer;
eight grandchildren, David M. Schaefer, Jason Schaefer, Amanda J. (Philip) Bischoff, Jessica N. Penny, Neil Schaefer, Kimberly Schaefer, and twins, Matthew and Mark Schaefer;
six great-grandchildren;
three cousins;
a brother-in-law, Joseph Schaefer;
a sister-in-law, Verdell Fehlker;
a nephew, Robert (Mary Ann) Smerek;
and a niece, Mary Ellen (Mark) Cummings.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or in the form of masses. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2016, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. A Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary ritual will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church with Msgr. William McGhee, Rev. Kenneth York, and Deacon Robert Smerek concelebrating.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
Condolences Left For Vera Schaefer
We will miss you at the cwv and the concerts at the square and the parks! You were special to us!
Kathy luecking & joe minor, Belleville, Il, 62221
I’m so sorry for your loss may God be with you and guide you through this hard time
carrie , Collinsville, Illinois, 62234
To Clarence and family, the Becherer families and I go back a long way. We are sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. Recall the small chats before mass to see how everyone was doing.
Robert and Marcella Becherer Stauder
Marcella Stauder, Swansea , Il, 62226
You were the best. The most a grandchild could ever want. I will miss everything about you. From home cooked meals to tagging along to dances. You were the best grandma in the world and will forever be my inspiration. I know you will be with me wherever i go and
Matthew Schaefer, Waterloo, IL, 62298
Forever in my heart. It is not good bye, but cya later. Love you alwaya Mama—–Matthew
Matthew Schaefer, , ,
To Clarence and family, the Becherer families and I go back a long way. We are sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. Recall the small chats before mass to see how everyone was doing.
Robert and Marcella Becherer Stauder
Marcella Stauder, Swansea , Il, 62226
Clarence, while I didn’t know Vera well, I could see her devotion to you. A witness to God, love and marriage and a good time. Her spirit wil remain for those she didn’t know were watching. God Bless.
Paula Sobol , Bellevilee, Il, 62226