Longtime Carleton resident, Gertrude Elizabeth Schafer, 95, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023.
Gertrude was the daughter of Archie and Victoria (Fix) Langton and was born on the family farm in Newport on Aug. 28, 1928. She was the 12th of 13 children. She attended St. Charles Parish School and Monroe High School, and worked for a time as a clerk at Consolidated Paper in Monroe. On Feb. 11, 1950, she married Robert L. Schafer, who preceded her in death.
A traditional homemaker for many years, Gert raised five children: Larry (the late Judi) Schafer of Carleton; the late Dennis (Patt) Schafer of Slidell, Louisiana; Steve (Nancy) Schafer of Milan; Kathy (Dennis Earl) Schafer of Temperance; and Carol (Ron) Dexter of Columbia, Illinois.
In the late 1970s, Gert began working with her husband at Schafer Insurance Agency in Carleton. She earned a professional insurance agent license in the early 1980s. She worked at the agency for three decades, continuing part time until age 90. She greatly enjoyed talking with customers and neighbors who came into the agency office.
Gert was an active member of Divine Grace Parish in Carleton for many years. She volunteered her time at many church-sponsored roast beef and chicken dinners, where she was affectionately known as the Coleslaw Lady.
Gert was preceded in death by her siblings Amos (Nellie Wickenheiser), Leona, Margaret (Ernest) Eby, Frances Masserant, Irving (Bernice Brancheau), Mary (Arnold) Masserant, Joe, Alton (Mary Gaynier), Ann Whitaker, Olive (Charles) Barron, Teresa (Jerry) Geiermann, and Leonard (Anna Pelton).
Gert was known for her love of family and will be missed by her children, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10th at Bacarella Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, Gert will lie in state at 10 a.m. at Divine Grace Parish, Carleton Campus. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by Rev. Fr. Dan Ring, followed by burial at St. Patrick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Divine Grace Catholic Church in Carleton or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .