Kathy Schafer

Author: Kathy Schafer
Kathy Schafer was born on December 25th,1939 at 1 PM per stories repeated to me by my grandparents. I was born in a little house over the railroad crossing in Prescott. Don’t remember that one but remember the house in Prescott. Remember walking to school and it was a long walk for a little girl who was 4 yrs. old and was in a class of 1st and 2nd graders.
My father came home from Germany & we moved to Corning and my parents worked for the Corning Creamery. Dad worked as a butter maker and cream tester. My mother started working part time as a butter wrapper and then the book keeper.
My Aunt Marge started me on piano lessons when I was around 6 yrs. old. Found out I liked music very soon on and took lessons on the piano and also took vocal lessons. Over those years I received a #1 rating on playing the piano and also singing. It was great fun being chosen for the All-State Chorus. My daughter, Meegan was chosen 20 years later for the same chorus and her kids, Zach and Lauren, while in high school, were also chosen to be in the All-State Chorus. In the year of 1957, I graduated from Corning High School. I later graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1970 and was then hired as a music teacher in Griswold, Iowa. Also, while living in Corning, I worked for the National Farmers Organization and Rosary Medical Clinic.
I was blessed with 3 children: Marlys (husband, Rich) Quimby, Meegan (husband, Dave) Harkey, and Mark (girlfriend, Dawn Jackson) Schafer. I am grateful for my grandchildren, Lance Quimby (wife, Sara and daughter, Evelyn) of Basehor, Kansas, Jessica O’Hara (husband, Nick and daughter, Addison, stepson, Tucker, and son, Tyler) of Hoyt, KS, Zachary Mattison (husband, Jarred) of Rochester, MN, and Lauren Mattison of Dubuque. I was also lucky enough to have 3 step grandchildren: Brent Harkey (wife, Angie and daughters, Ella and Taylor, and son, Landon) of Rochester, MN, Ryan Harkey (wife, Jessica and son, Evan) of Marion, IA, and Mitch Harkey (wife, Alex and stepson, Liam and daughter, Vivian) of Dubuque, IA. Nothing better than being a grandmother and a great grandmother!
Even though I was an only child, I met and was very lucky to receive a lot of love from many friends. I think a good time was had by all in having and raising of children, school activities, church, Methodist Church circle, playing the organ for church, our children getting married and having babies and becoming a grandmother and great grandmother. I also enjoyed seeing my own parents and in-laws enjoying my children.
I was preceded in death by my mother, Berniece (Hayes) Campbell, and my father Ron Campbell. My grandparents, Vera (Driftmeier) Hayes, Paul Hayes, Mary Fern (Pottinger) Cox, John Cox, and many other family members.
Lastly, I wish to give thanks to all relation, cousins, and super friends in Corning and Des Moines. You were my family and I loved you all. Blessings for you all.
Kathy passed away Monday, Nov. 19th at Luther Manor in Dubuque, IA. with family at her side.