Joeva Maxine Schaefer

July 27, 1924 - March 7, 2026

JoEva Maxine "Dotty" (Bauman) Schaefer, 101, left her earthly home March 7, 2026, to join her beloved husband, Chris, for unlimited travels in the realm of her Lord. She truly appreciated the care of Janie's Angels team and White Rose Hospice assisting her family.

JoEva was born July 27, 1924 in Vermillion, SD, to Judge William A. and Johanna F. (Hofland) Bauman. She helped with her family's large garden and selling vegetables in town. She began her interest in banking and finance during the Great Depression. JoEva graduated as salutatorian from Vermillion High School. Working summers at her sister Ruth's Cafe, she met a charming man with whom she would go dancing to the local Bib Band.

Christian Frederick Schaefer and JoEva were married on October 9, 1942 in Dell Rapids, SD, as they worried about the draft for World War II. They established their farming life on the longtime Schaefer family homestead near Parker, SD. Chris and Dotty were blessed with five children during the seventy years of their adventure.

Outside her farm life, JoEva worked at Parker State Bank, Western Bank and Maguire Iron in Sioux Falls and later at Augustana College. She was treasurer of Parker Methodist Church for many years. In her spare time she participated in the Order of Eastern Star, Job's Daughters including being a state officer, Parker School PTA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H and Parker Boat Club. The family enjoyed many good times at South Dakota lakes with JoEva as part of an acrobatic ski team. Tent camping begun as a child became RV travel whenever possible, especially after helping Chris convert an old school bus for family outings.

In 1976 JoEva and Chris moved to Sun City for health reasons. In Arizona JoEva worked as a realtor for Del Webb Corporation, after which she was the Office Manager/Comptroller at Palmbrook Country Club for over 10 years. During her tenure in the 1980s, she introduced computers to the offices and activities of the Club. Deciding to retire they began to travel more often and "see the USA", all while working part-time as the office manager of Lakeview Methodist Church, again helping update by changing mimeographs to computers. JoEva kept her AZ Notary license for over 25 years.

Being a first generation American, JoEva and Chris visited her mother's hometown in the Netherlands in 1980, seeing the family church and making connections with several cousins.

Living an active life has always been important to JoEva. She, along with Chris, helped institute the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #66 in Sun City and was the last living original member. She had belonged to OES for over 83 years with a special celebration held on her 80th anniversary. Additionally, she enjoyed the Mary Martha Circle at church, Sundial Craft Club, ballroom dancing, RV Club, Shuffleboard group and swimming with friends. She happily shared her handmade crafts with friends and family.

Sharing in JoEva's life of faith and love of country are her children: son, George (Hazel) Schaefer of Shoshoni, WY; daughters, Barbara (Glenn) DeMent of Las Vegas, NV, Diana (Allan) Moulden of Tacoma, WA, and Lucy (Jeff) Thomas of Albuquerque, NM; daughter-in-law, Dorthea Schaefer of Tea, SD. Survivors also include eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. JoEva was preceded in death by the love of her life, Chris; her son, Frederick; her parents and seven siblings.

Condolences may be shared with the family at 9903 Bright Angel Circle, Sun City, AZ 85351. Her family thanks the Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary for their professional care and kindness at this time of sorrow. Plans for a Celebration of Life are pending.