Lela Lou Schaefer

Lela was born on September 28, 1944 in Portage Wisconsin to William G. Little and Thane E. Geeslin, completing the family in joining beloved older brother Bill (William).

Lela was preceded in death by her husband (Gerald) and brother (William). She is survived by her son Jerry (Katie) Schaefer, daughter Jill (Greg) Sundberg and grandchildren Sarah (Hunter) Christian and Suzy (Joshua) Godbout, as well as Utah, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Harlingen family and friends.

Lela and Gerald enjoyed over two decades raising a family in Elk River MN where they attended St. Andrews and where Lela first worked part-time helping with the school lunch program, then became the school's bookkeeper and health aid. They spent many summer weekends with family and friends at lake places near Nisswa and Hackensack. After retiring, they rediscovered a winter haven in Harlingen Texas, Gerald enjoyed playing cribbage with his neighbors at Palm Gardens while Lela worked on her hand made greeting cards and numerous park social activities. Lela continued to call it her home after Gerald's passing. She kept her faith throughout and will be missed by family and friends

A memorial service will be held at Dare's Funeral Home in Elk River, MN on Friday, September 4th, 2026. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM and service will follow at 11:30 AM with a lunch to follow.