Donna Kay Wolfe Schafer was born August 28, 1954 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Donald and Doris Wolfe, and joined an older sister, Diane. Donna attended Yankee Hill Elementary School, Everett Junior High, and Lincoln High School and graduated in 1972,. Donna worked several jobs, including Grants in downtown Lincoln, Russell Stovers Candies, Hygain Electronics, and Lincoln Public Schools at Prescott Elementary in the school lunchroom. Donna was married to Terry Schafer for several years and had many great times with Terry and his family as well as with her own family.
Donna resided at Madonna Rehab Hospital for seven years after she was diagnosed with throat cancer and needed long term care. She loved living at Madonna and referred to it as her home. Her thankful and joyous spirit was infectious to all who knew her. She would walk the halls and would talk and joke with many and would talk as long as anyone would listen. Donna was kind and loving to all those around her and always wanted to know all about her family members. She was truly a blessing to all. Her world may have been rather small in some aspects but she found joy in small things such as hershey kisses, chocolate pudding, chocolate pie — pretty much anything chocolate, as well as playing Yatzee, 10 point pitch, Bingo, especially if she could win some quarters playing Bingo,and any musiucal program that she could attend.
Donna’s best friend, Ruby called Donna every day and visited her often. They had a special friendship and could laugh and talk about anything. Ruby’s son, David and her daughter, Darla would visit Donna with Ruby and play 10 point pitch. Ruby also joined Donna to watch the Huskers play football on game days. This past fall, an anonymous person donated a pair of football tickets for one of the home games and Donna and Ruby attended that game together and had an absolute blast cheering the Huskers on — and they won that game! Donna was unable to eat food other than her chocolate pudding and chocolate kisses for several years but she never complained about that even if people around her were eating or drinking. She found joy mostly with being with friends and family and honestly never met a stranger.
Lead by a very strong faith, she would tell people she was fine because she had people praying for her. She, herself, was such a prayer warrior and would always pray for anyone needing prayers. She faced many obstacles in life, but chose to live life filled with joy, fun and love for everyone.
Donna passed away on January 9, 2025. She will be missed by many but we take comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and savior.
Donna is survived by her sister and brother in law Diane and Kirk Russell, nephews – Christian Thompson; Paul Thompson (Maggie); great nephews Zachary Thompson (Alissa), Kadyn Thompson, Corbin Thompson (Teagen) and Cayden Thompson; great nieces Zoe Thompson, Kenna Thompson and Neasia Russell Hines.
Preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Doris Wolfe, niece, Janasia Russell.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516). Visitation is one hour prior to the service.
The family wants to thank Ruby James for her special friendship with Donna and her continued dedication to bring joy to and spend countless hours with Donna. Also thank you to the Madonna nursing staff, Priests and Pastors, the many volunteers, and many other staff members who not only cared for Donna’s medical needs, but who truly treated her with kindness and respect and who genuinely loved her. You all are the best and we love and appreciate you. May God bless you.
Services
Visitation
10:00 am
Roper & Sons South Chapel
3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Roper & Sons South Chapel
3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516
Share a Memory or Condolence
I took care of Donna at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital for 7 years, She was always in positive spirits, She lit up any room she entered, and was a complete joy to be around, we shared a lot of laughs and enjoyed our girl talk, It was an honor to have been apart of Donna’s life at Madonna and she will be missed greatly!
– Catherine Harris
I helped take care of her at the Victorian. We would play Yahtzee all night 8+ hours. When she ended up with throat cancer she moved and we lost touch. I’ve always thought about her and hoped she was doing well. I will cherish every moment we had together.
– SHAUN CUSHMAN
I remember Donna, she would come thru my checkout line at the N 27th St. Walmart. She was alway nice & very talkative. I was so glad I got to be a part of her funeral service by serving her family & guest lunch today!
– Mary Ann Edstrom
For several years, as a singer, I have performed a Valentine’s Day concert at Madonna rehab. I became acquainted with Donna a few years back when I asked if anyone had gone to Lincoln high school and she excitedly responded and raised her hand. I enjoyed hanging out after my performance and conversing with her. Having met thousands of people, occasionally someone stands out that has something special. Donna had that. She was full of a special joy that only a true believer in Christ has. Even through her circumstances, she exuded a vibrancy that I rarely encounter. She is in the loving arms of Him now.
– Tom Roth
I worked with Donna at Prescott and we had such fun times. Never a dull moment and it was a blessing to know her. Prayers for her family.
– Cammy Amen
Friends to Donna’s parents at the VFW. She was a beautiful person. My condolences to her family.
– Marjorie Schwabauer
Hey, I remember you Donna, I was a friend to Terry, and the rest of the Schaefers. You were good people. “Another Lincoln High Job Well Done.”
– Bobby Mersed
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