Karalee Anne Schafer

Karalee Schafer, age 74, died on Sunday, January 24th, following an unexpected ruptured brain aneurysm the previous Tuesday.  She passed surrounded by family.  She was vibrant, active and in good health.  Her family is thankful her passing was quick and we know she is now with the Lord our God. 

Karalee was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating high school in 1959.  While attending the University of Nebraska working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, she met J.D. whom she married in 1962.  Together they raised six children while moving through various cities, settling in the Denver suburbs in 1972.  Her early career consisted of substitute teaching and then full time kindergarten teaching at Eugene Field and East Elementary in the Littleton Public Schools.  

Her later career focused on assisting children with reading disabilities.  While at these schools, she occasionally found herself teaching children of previous students.  Her students received the same love and nurturing as her own family.  Following her retirement, she continued to volunteer in the classroom both at East Elementary and at her grandchildren’s schools.  

Karalee attended the St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, CO.  She was an active member of the congregation for many years and a children’s Sunday School teacher.  She was passionate about the Family Promise Program, an organization which helps families experiencing homelessness by providing emergency shelter, meals and supportive services on the path to self-sufficiency.

She is survived by her husband J.D., six children Joe (Kristin), Anne Marquard, John (Roxie), Jim (Jennifer), Sarah (Bob) Malafronte and Molly (Jeremy) Dufour.  Of her fifteen grandchildren, those who did not live near Denver would attend grandkid-camp every summer where they got to know their “Grammy Loon.”  Her ‘in town’ grandchildren spent considerable time with Karalee.  She is survived by all five of her siblings: Laura, Randy, Janet, Robbie and George.  She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Janet Shaner.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 30th at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S University Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO.  A reception will follow at the church.

We request that memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, be made to either Family Promise of Greater Denver, (please include ‘Karalee Schafer’ in the purpose field), or the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

http://www.familypromiseofgreaterdenver.org/give-back/donate/financial-gifts/

http://www.gbhem.org/about/contact

 Condolences may be offered at http://www.drinkwinemortuary.com/

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