Earla Mae Schaefer, nee Nelson, 81, of Walters, died peacefully at her home of natural causes on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at United Lutheran Church in Walters, the Rev. Don Rose officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at United Lutheran Church in Walters. Burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting with arrangements.

Earla Schaefer was born Oct. 19, 1929, in Fairmont, Martin County, to Ernest I. and Fern E. Nelson. She attended Fairmont public schools. She married Donald A. Schaefer on Feb. 4, 1950, in Fairmont. She was a homemaker, business partner in Walters Service Co., professional mother, grandmother and community caretaker. She was a member of United Lutheran Church in Walters, and its Rachel Circle; also the American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries, Community Care Club, senior citizens and the library. She enjoyed travel, theater, bowling and reading. She devoted her life to helping others, her community and her church.

Earla is survived by her sons: Jerry (Kathy) Schaefer, Jack (Kris) Schaefer and Jim (Chris) Schaefer; grandchildren: Jason (Brandy), Adam (Sarah), Celeste (Andrew), Blake, Tessa, Jordan (Kayla), Rachel, Jacob, Tyler, Ryan (Stacy) and Amanda (Mike); great-grandchildren: Bria, Dominic, Erica, Marcus, Ahna, Lincoln, Matilda and Nathan; her best friend of 56 years, Bonnie Braund; sister, Donna Stenzel (John Haupt); brother, Leland (Janice) Nelson; brother-in-law, Robert Jaqua; and a countless number of loving and loved extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Donald; her parents; her sister, Marie; and many others she dearly loved.