Arla J Schaefer

Mass of Christian Burial Service for Arla J. Schaefer will be conducted from the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in North Platte, Nebraska on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Father James Novakowski, officiating. Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the Highland Cemetery at Bertrand, Nebraska.

Arla Jean Schaefer, 64 years of age, of North Platte (formerly of Bertrand) was surrounded by her family as she entered into eternal life on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Arla was born March 25, 1945 in Watertown, South Dakota, the daughter of Arlie and Roena (Dawson) Reiter. Four months prior to Arla's birth, her father was killed in action during WWII. After her father's death the family traveled extensively until settling in Bertrand in 1955. In 1956 her mother was united in marriage to Vernon Stehl. As a young girl and absent of a father figure in her life, Vernon became her Dad. The family resided on a farm south of Hope Lutheran Church in Gosper County.

Arla received her education at Bertrand, graduating from Bertrand High School with the class of 1963. She then pursued higher education at St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received her Nursing Degree.

On August 27, 1966 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, James A. Schaefer and to this union three children were born: Tim, Teresa and Chris.

The family made their home in Aurora, Colorado for almost 40 years, where Arla worked as a Registered Nurse in many specialties. In 2007, Arla and James moved to North Platte to enjoy their retirement with family and friends. Arla loved being a Grandmother to her eight beautiful grandchildren. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Besides her biological father, she was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Roena Stehl.

Arla is survived by the love of her life, Jim of North Platte; son, Tim Schaefer and his wife, Susie of Sterling, Colorado; daughter, Teresa Schaefer and her husband, Jamison of Aurora, Colorado; son, Chris Schaefer and his wife, Dawn of Parker, Colorado; eight grandchildren: Justine, Kristin, Colby, Jessica, Taylor, Christian, Trevor and Riley; sister, Yvonne Haas and her husband, Marvin of St. Edward, Nebraska; brother, Robert Stehl of Bertrand. In addition, Arla is also survived by her best friend, Linda Wise of Centennial, Colorado; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Sandstrom Funeral Home in Bertrand with the family greeting from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. A memorial has been established in her memory and kindly suggested to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church or the Arthritis Foundation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.