Helen A. Schaffer
BELOIT – Helen A. Schaffer was born to Fred and Rose (Watkins) LaCoe in Mitchell County, KS on March 25, 1923. She was one of six children born into this union. She attended school in the Simpson/Asherville area, graduating high school in 1940. Her class of 17 was the largest to graduate from Asherville. Helen was married to Gerald “Friday” Schaffer for 53 years until his death in 2006. They were blessed with 5 children; Larry, Janet, Betty, Mary, and Connie.
Helen worked at the Rainbow Tavern, Family Cafe, and Torr’s Food Store in Beloit. She has inspired many with her friendly smile and her cheery disposition. Many Sunday dinners were enjoyed around the table, always ending with one of her delicious homemade pies. Behind her smile, there is a wealth of stories and experiences to be shared; stories about growing up on the farm, buggy rides, the great depression, and war. Helen is the last survivor of her generation.
She is survived by Larry Muth of LaCrosse, Janet (Richard) Walters of Canyon, Texas, Betty Anderson, Mary Petterson, and Connie Schaffer, all of Beloit; 8 grandchildren, 16 greatgrandchildren, and 8 greatgreat grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Gerald, brothers, Evert and Lavere¸ sisters, Luella Gilbert, Geneva Sands, and Mildred in infancy.
Funeral services will be at 10 AM Wednesday, July 17 at Roberts Family Funeral Home. A rosary service will be at 6 PM, and visitation will be from 1 PM until the rosary service begins on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the St. John’s Cemetery or Solomon Valley Hospice.
