Heide Ruth Schaefer

Heide R. Schaefer passed away peacefully at home at age 75 on June 10, 2023. Born to Professor Martin H. Schaefer and Johanna E. Weidhaas on January 11, 1948 in St. Louis, MO. Heide was a lifelong resident of Valparaiso, IN, graduating from Valparaiso High School and receiving her B.A. from Valparaiso University where she studied Piano and Psychology.

She worked in public relations for the American Cancer Society, Chicago; and executive secretarial positions for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; but found working as a litigation defense secretary for two leading law firms in Chicago to be the most gratifying. Heide was a volunteer founding member of Moraine House, Valparaiso, and served for a time as its Vice President.

Heide had a sense of humor that was infectious even up until her passing. Her Saturday nights were reserved to watch Columbo. She loved a beautiful sunset at the Dunes and a stop at The Port Drive-In for a chili dog. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandson—the “apple of her eye”—her absence can’t be replaced.

Heide’s warm, thoughtful nature, plus her being a conversationalist at heart made it easy for anyone to go to her to talk. She deeply loved classical music as she was classically trained on the piano. In her final sickness, Cupcake, the cat, was on the scene offering up cuddles to her.

Heide will be deeply missed by her surviving daughter Alexandra “Lexi” Schaefer and grandson, Jari Schaefer. Heide is also survived by sisters Marlene Rumbach and Lily Schaefer; brother Peter Schaefer; niece and godchild, Katie and nephews Bobby, Michael, Martin and Paul; great nieces and nephews, and extended family from St. Louis. She is preceded in death by her father and mother.

Heide’s heart, willpower, and faith are what pushed her through over a decade battling metastatic cancer. A favorite passage she would like us to remember is

1 Corinthians 13:13—

And now there remain; faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is LOVE

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Douglas Mayer officiating.  The family has requested no flowers be sent and memorial contributions made out to the Porter County Animal Shelter.  To sign an online guestbook, www.bartholomewnewhard.com

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