Colette J. Schaefer, 79, of McIntire, Iowa, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St Marys Campus – Rochester.

Colette Jane Schaefer was born Jan. 19, 1938, in Austin, Minnesota, to Gerald and Rosalia (Elsburnd) Gorman. She attended and graduated from St. Augustine High School in Austin in 1956 and was united in marriage to Robert Schaefer on Sept. 7, 1959, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. After their marriage, they farmed near Meyer, Iowa, and later moved to their current farm in 1966. Colette enjoyed collecting angels, going on bus trips to the casino, the color pink, listening to the Mitchell County and Austin music programs, going on shopping trips to Austin to find a “good deal,” and attending her grandchildren’s activities. But most of all, she enjoyed being with her family. She was a very active member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church for many years, participating in its altar society and teaching in the religious education program.

She is survived by her children, Harlan Schaefer of McIntire, Audrey (Kelly) Christensen of Riceville, Iowa, Pam (Steve) Smith of Stacyville, Iowa, and Eric (Michele) Schaefer of Northwood, Iowa; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three siblings, Wayne (Darlene) Gorman of Austin, Anna May (Bob) Schneberger of West Union, Iowa, and Mary Kay (Arnie) Olson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and five sisters-in-law, Yvonne Gorman of Austin, Marilyn Rogers of Osage, Iowa, Florance Schaefer and Jeanette Schaefer, both of Adams, Minnesota, and  Sr. Alice Schaefer of Dubuque, Iowa. Colette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert, in 1982; her son, Paul, in 1981; brother, Ardel; nephew, Rick; and brothers-in-law, Amos, Avery and Ray.

The funeral Mass for Colette J. Schaefer will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 6, 2018, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in LeRoy, Minnesota, with Father Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with a prayer service starting at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service.

Condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.