Gretchen Elaine Henry Schaefer was born on September 3, 1979 in Emmetsburg, Iowa and departed this world too soon on June 21, 2015. She is survived by her husband Toby Schaefer, her son Carson Schaefer, her mother Colleen Appel and husband Tim McVeigh, her father Phillip Henry, her sister Molly Henry, her brother Forrest Henry and wife Bethany, her grandparents Hans and Gwenna Appel, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.
Gretchen was a loving mother, devoted Christian, adored pre-school teacher, and close friend to any human or animal that may have crossed her path. She was an inspiration to those around her. She was filled with so much Love for others, and had a serving heart that never found anyone else’s problem that she couldn’t help with. Due to this, she was surrounded with people who cared for her, former preschoolers that would stop her in public to get a quick hug, and family and friends who would go to the ends of the earth to help ensure she was successful and happy.
She had a lifelong love for animals of all shapes and sizes, and over the years has had her house blessed with multiple dogs, guinea pigs, as well as reptiles and fish. She insisted that everyone should adopt a homeless pet and would donate her time, efforts, and love towards helping local shelters find just one more home for a shelter pet.
She loved God, reading the bible daily and learning about the life of Jesus and scripture through small groups, life groups, and Mothers of Preschoolers, which she led at Schweitzer UMC for two years. She had incredible devotion and passion for what she believed in and would always be willing to stand up for those beliefs.
She had a love for all things artistic, taking up any available space within her day to create new and beautiful things to share. Over the years, she created jewelry, paintings and drawings that provided her release from the stresses of the world.
Gretchen, you are loved by so many people, and you will be missed deeply. The world was a brighter place with you in it. Your smile could light up a room, and your deep and caring heart could heal anyone. We Love you, Gretchen, now and forever.
Services and a Celebration of Life for Gretchen will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East.