Julieann Schafer Obituary
Friends will be received 11:00AM-12:00PM Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton Rd., Kalamazoo, MI, where a Memorial Service will follow at 12:00PM. Interment has taken place at Grand Prairie Cemetery, Kalamazoo, MI. Memorial contributions in Julie's memory may be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital, c/o the funeral home.
Age 81, Julie passed away at home on Thursday, September 19, 2024 and now celebrates the joy of Heaven. Julie was born December 12, 1942 in Paw Paw, MI the daughter of Chester and Ruth (Thomas) Emmons. She enjoyed a loving, happy childhood in Marcellus, MI and graduated from Marcellus High School, Class of 1960. She furthered her education at Western Michigan University, then Parsons Business College. Julie worked successfully as a well-respected secretary over the years, enjoying her employment with Judge Marjorie Luna, followed by Safety Services, Inc., and finishing her career with 16 years at the Michigan Department of Corrections. Retirement brought many happy social opportunities, as well as time to bless others. Julie never met a child whom she didn't love. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren, smiling and encouraging them loudly and proudly at every one of their sporting events and concerts. They each know of her love and commitment to support them in prayer throughout her life. She relished the gift of great-grandchildren as her reward for growing older. Julie was also a devoted Kids' Hope Mentor, a GEMS Girls Club Counselor, and a volunteer with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council and Bronson Lakeview Hospital Auxiliary. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Julie is survived by her husband, Bruce Schafer; her sister and best friend, Jan Marie Emmons; daughters, Cheri Dykstra and Lesa (Jim) Booth; step-daughter, Dana Heideman (Joshua, Kalee, Austin); grandchildren, Brandon (Briana) Dykstra, Jared (Ashley) Dykstra, Lori Dykstra, Jessica (Bailey) Slain; close step-granddaughter, Annaka Schafer; great-grandchildren, Asher, Jane & Eden Dykstra, Clara & Emma Dykstra, Landon & Liam Slain.
