Eileen Schaefer

Eileen Mary (Wieczorek) Schaefer, 85, of Winona passed away on July 20, 2022, at Brookdale Senior Living.

She was born on June 13, 1937, to Isadore and Mary Wieczorek of Bellevue, Iowa. Eileen always knew she would have to work, and she began working at age 11 in the scullery at St. Theresa’s College. On June 21, 1955, she married Marcel “Bud” Schaefer but continued to work. In 1966, Eileen was hired as the first female postal worker in Winona and 20 years later, became the first female postmaster of Minnesota City. She was a pioneer. She retired in 1996 after 30 years of service. In retirement, she continued working a variety of jobs to keep busy. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling, camping and traveling.

Eileen is survived by her loving children, Joe (RoseMarie), Larry (Deb) and Peggy; grandchildren, Niki, Velvet, Crystal, Christina, Ryan, Hailey and Sara; great-grandchildren, Jared, Chloe, Braedon, Zachary, Matthew, Zoey and Nora; siblings, Jimmy (Joan), Dixie) Don, Larry (Rita), Maryann, Tom (Kris), and sister-in-law, Elaine.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Isadore; husband, Marcel “Bud”; brothers, Wayne “Bud” and David; sister, Marjorie, and granddaughter, Hillary.

A celebration of her life will be at 7 p.m. Monday, July 25, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview, led by Funeral Celebrant Jodi Heim. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association.