In Memory of Frank Schaefer

August 8, 1936 – January 3, 2014

Frank Schaefer was an Iowa boy from the farm. It gave him great pride to recall those early days. Chicago was a goal for job-hunting which found him steady employment as a CTA bus driver for 34 years. He was a gentle caregiver for his first wife, Lila, during a lengthy illness.

Frank was a gentleman; always kind, soft-spoken and courteous. His Catholic upbringing was enhanced when he joined the Oak Lawn Community in Chicago, Illinois. After marrying Mary Ann Cichowski in 1991, both became Presentation associates. His presence at associate gatherings strengthened his beliefs and his sharing in the gatherings. He came to appreciate the strength and modeling of Nano Nagle.

All areas of nature, animals and stars were of interest to Frank. He worked diligently to remodel an area of the lawn with a small fishpond, decorative stones and a screened-in area for relaxation and appreciation of nature and birds. He also re-decorated the kitchen to make storage more convenient. He enjoyed cooking and eating. He loved biking, exercising and swimming.

Frank often spoke of his great sense of peace as family and Presentation Sisters surrounded the death-bed of his wife, Mary Ann, in prayer and song. Perhaps this grateful memory blessed him in his last days of living alone in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Frank had airline tickets reserved for January 18 to go visit his granddaughter in California who had just given birth to her second set of twins. The lantern of Nano Nagle did indeed bless him in ways untold. May he rest in peace!