Obituary of Mary M. Schafer

Schafer, Mary (Tootie) of Saginaw, Michigan, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, died on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Traditions of Saginaw.

Mary Margaret (Tootie) was born on February 5, 1929 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was the daughter of Matthew Weigl and Margaret Doerr. She married Benjamin Schafer on September 23, 1950 in Saginaw. He preceded her in death on August 3, 2017. Mary retired from Means Stamping after 25 years of service. She was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Saginaw, Michigan.

She loved her family and all the fun times they had together. Mary and Ben raised their 7 children on Court Street in Saginaw, in the former home of Mary’s parents. The kids had a wonderful childhood there and enjoyed many trips to Grand Lake for vacations. In 1980, Mary and Ben moved to a beautiful country home with a pond that they built. This became the gathering place for many family parties and celebrations and many memories were created with the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her four sons and three daughters: Stephen (Judith) Schafer of Saginaw, Benjamin (Marsha) Schafer of Saline, Gary (Susan) Schafer of Tawas, Douglas (Laurie) Schafer of Vassar, Debra (Gary) Bishop, Kimberly Blanchard and Sandra Schafer (Fred Vlassis, Jr.) all from Saginaw. Grandchildren: Andrew (Jill) Schafer of Saginaw, Jason (Mallori) Schafer of Denver, CO., Sarah Schafer (Mike Crampton) of Saline, Emily (Alec) Ulrich of Saline, Megan (Bernie) Osebold of Washington Twp., Kathryn Jagelewski of East Tawas, Bethany (Rick) Matthews of Richmond, Jessica Bellenir of Vassar. Great Grandchildren: Drew, Brady and Carson Schafer of Saginaw, Sophia and Isabel Ulrich of Saline, Molly, Charlotte, Barrett, Henry and Jack Osebold of Washington Twp., Zoey, Mazey and Matthew Jagelewski of East Tawas, Elijah Schafer of Saginaw. Before passing Mary was told of another great-grandchild to born in November. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Margaret Weigl, 6 sisters and 3 brothers; Grand-daughter, Michelle Johnson, Grandsons, Scott Schafer and Doug’s Little Angel. Son-in-Law, Richard Blanchard, Grandson, Christopher Jagelewski. And dear Friends: Catherine Spyker and Helen Nash

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2025 at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Christian F. Tabares will officiate. Committal service to follow at St. Andrew Cemetery in Saginaw.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to National MS Foundation, St. John Vianney Church or Charity of choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.