Cleo Schaefer

Cleo Germaine Schaefer, 78, of Chatfield, died on February 8, 2026. Born on August 30, 1947, in Winona, MN, Cleo was the daughter of Emanuel and Emma (Alitz) Braatz. She grew up on Grasshopper Ridge in countryside of Fountain City, WI, with her six siblings.

Cleo graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School and took her first steps into the professional world by studying at secretarial school in Winona. It was during that time that she met the love of her life, Gerald "JS" Schaefer. They tied the knot on October 7, 1967, and soon started their family in Chatfield, MN. Cleo worked for the Mayo Clinic for over 40 years in the neurology and muscular research department on the 8th floor of the Guggenheim Building. In 1977, they built a home together that eventually took on the name of Windy Acres. This was a testament to their commitment and love. Throughout their lives, Cleo was dedicated to JS, and they truly were inseparable. Whether it was embarking on trips to Vegas, Yellowstone, camping, or going to the casinos while on prairie dog hunting trips, they shared every adventure side by side. Cleo and JS's most memorable trip was going to Churchill, Canada in the northern tundra and experienced polar bears in their natural habitat. Cleo also had a wild side and enjoyed the thrill of Harley riding and side by side riding.

Cleo was known for her warm heart and selfless spirit. She was compassionate toward everyone, people and animals alike. A proud Green Bay Packers fan, she filled her home with love and laughter, not to mention her famous stash of chocolate, always ready to satisfy her sweet tooth. Cleo always had beautiful short-hand writing and the most elegant cursive penmanship, even as she aged. Those who knew her would describe her as kind, stubborn, and always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

Cleo is survived by her children, Lisa Bernard, David (Teresa) Schaefer; grandchildren, Kaylie (Colton), Josh, Nate (Anna), Trenton (Alayna), Brandon; brother-in-law, Donnie (Linda) Schaefer; sister-in-law, Maxine "Mic" (Bill) Tesch; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emanuel and Emma; husband, Gerry Schaefer; son-in-law, Mike Bernard; daughter-in-law, Darcy Schaefer; parents-in-law, Jacob and Doris Schaefer; siblings, Jerry Braatz, Myron Meier, Rodger Meier, Odel Meier, Emmett Meier, and Belvadine "Susie" Gallo.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, MN at 11am. Visitation will begin at 10am.

The memorial service will be livestreamed and recorded to watch at a later time. Please follow the link below.

https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/6SSL9M