Kathleen Ann Schaefer 1962 - 2026

Kathleen (Kathy), 64, passed away under the compassionate care of family, Lifted Hospice, and Sage Oak care team in Denton, Texas. Kathy courageously fought a progressive six-year battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Her entire family surrounded her bedside as she peacefully joined the Lord on September 25, 2026.

Kathy was born on April 8, 1962, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Thomas and Jeannine Eggert. She grew up in Hastings, Minnesota where she excelled in swimming, softball, band, choir, and academics. She was nominated and accepted into the Air Force Academy where she graduated with a bachelor's degree, majoring in political science. After graduation, she served as a Second Lieutenant at Pope Air Force Base as an Intelligence Officer.

Kathy and Robert (Bob) Schaefer met at the Air Force Academy and were married in 1986. They recently celebrated 40 years of loving marriage. Kathy and Bob had two children, Bernerd and Tom. Kathy was a loving and active stay at home mom, and together with Bob, raised their two sons. During that time, she volunteered several times a week at St. Bernadette’s Academy and was active in the Catholic Church. Kathy's greatest joy was her family, enjoying vacations to various destinations, her favorites being an Alaskan and European cruise. She was immensely proud of her sons. Both Bernerd and Tom share Kathy’s strong work ethic, love of music, creativity, and genuine care for others.

It was through volunteer experience that Kathy found her calling. She spent many years as a Testing Coordinator and became the Director of Testing and College Guidance at Coram Deo Academy in Flower Mound, Texas. She helped countess students, parents, and colleagues through her passion, dedication, and commitment to serving their varied needs. One of her biggest accomplishments was organizing the annual college tour, forming strong relationships on campuses throughout Texas, and helping students find and get accepted into many universities throughout the country.

Kathy was very close to her three sisters and brother. She traveled to Minnesota each year to spend summers and most holidays there. She often showcased her unique talents when she spent time with them, including swimming the butterfly stroke, coordinating quilting fabrics, serving aces in pickleball, calming any baby, and finding her favorite Kohl’s dress in every pattern ever made.

Kathy was also dearly cherished by her two nieces and four nephews. Many of their favorite memories were spending time with Kathy at the lake in Minnesota, enjoying countless hours as she drove the boat for skiing and tubing, or for her visits to Florida with Bob’s family. She took a genuine interest in each of their lives and was a source of guidance, laughter, and love.

Kathy’s friends were also an important part of her life. She remained close to many childhood friends, and made time each year for annual trips. The most recent one was in August, when they came to see her in Texas. Kathy also made lasting friendships locally. What started as a baby-sitting coop years ago, turned into a book club, going strong for more than three decades. This also morphed into many movie outings, coveted cookie exchanges, and life-long friendships cherished by all. Kathy was also an avid quilter, enjoying many sewing weekends within that group. She created masterpieces her family and friends will treasure forever. Kathy was grateful for the visits with friends as her health declined, and her competitiveness remained strong with her track record for rolling Yahtzee unmatched.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Jeannine Eggert; and brother Tom Eggert. She is survived by her husband, Bob; her sons, Bernerd (Rachel), and Tom; sisters Mary Ineichen (Walter), Jeanne Luhrs (Rich) and Anne Rumreich (Tony), and cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 29, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Mark Catholic Church in Argyle, Texas. A Celebration of Life and Internment will follow at a later date in her hometown of Hastings, Minnesota

Memorials in lieu of flowers are appreciated and can be dedicated to a charity of choice in Kathy's honor. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Willow Bend, Sage Oak, and Lifted for their compassionate care over the past seven months.