Evelyn Catherine Schaefer

On September 23rd, Evelyn Catherine Schaefer took the hand of Jesus as he escorted her to heaven. There, she will be reunited forever with loved ones who preceded her, among whom are her parents, August and Lulu Eykholt.

Born September 5, 1933, she was one of three children. Surviving siblings are a sister, Barbara Sanders and a brother, August Eykholt.

On December 24, 1951, she married the love of her life, Louis “Jim” Schaefer.  He survives along with two daughters, Jenny (Frank) Datena and Carla (Eric) Schubert, all of Elkhart.

Her formative years were spent at St. Vincent de Paul and Elkhart High School.  She worked at her father’s bakery and was employed by Wilts (Martin’s), NIBCO, and Miles Lab (Bayer).  She retired from Miles in ‘87 after 19 yrs. of service. During their nearly 72 years of marriage, Evelyn and Jim enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, traveling, and admiring precious treasures.  It brought them many years of enjoyment only to be exceeded by spending time with family.  As years passed, they were blessed with five grandchildren, Stacy Postma, Tony (Mia) Datena, Maria Schubert, Sarah (Kevin) Kovach and Andrew (Michelle) Schubert.  God continued to bless them by adding five great-grandchildren, Madeline (Bryce) Martineau, Molly Postma, Ava Datena, Christien Datena, and Elise Kovach.

Evelyn loved her family and never missed an opportunity to show them so. Her favorite expression of this was to create and read her poetic prayers before each and every family gathering.  To each one of us, “Evelyn or Mom”, “Grandma or Great Grandma”, she will forever remain our precious treasure.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Waterford Crossing for the nearly two years of care and compassion that was given to Evelyn

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the “Live A Dream” Program and/or the “Life Enrichment Team” both at Waterford Crossing.  Checks should be made out to Waterford Crossing, designating the department in the memo section.

Visitation and viewing will be held at Yoder Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. on Tuesday, September 26th, from 1:00 pm. to 2:30 pm. Family will hold a private graveside service for Evelyn at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Goshen, at 3 pm.