Yvonne Geraldine (Severson) Schaefer, peacefully passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 95 in Aitkin, Minnesota. She looked upon her children and smiled as she took her final Breath. She was born on September 17, 1928, in Churchs Ferry, North Dakota, to Paul and Aagot (Nygaard) Severson.

Yvonne had a fulfilling career in the medical field. She began her journey as a bookkeeper and later worked in Expense Control at Dayton's downtown. However, she had to leave her position when she started showing from her pregnancy. Undeterred, Yvonne pursued her passion for healthcare and became a nurse's aide, LPN, and ultimately an RN in the Cardiac Care unit at Queen of Peace hospital in New Prague, MN.

She was a woman of faith and a devout Catholic. She exchanged vows with her beloved husband, Tom Schaefer, on May 29, 1948, at Holy Family Catholic Church in St Louis Park, MN. Throughout her life, she found solace and support as a parishioner at several churches, most notably St Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, MN.

Yvonne will be deeply missed by her loving family. She is survived by her cherished children, Jackie (AI) Havlick, Gail Melton, Cindy (Dana) Lawson, Donna (Sam) Stovall, John Schaefer and Pete Schaefer, along with her sisters, Faith and Donna. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Schaefer, her son, Greg Schaefer, her parents, Paul and Aagot Severson, her brothers, Paul, Phillip, and Leslie, and her sisters, Amy, Pearl, Jane, Jean, and Gloria. Yvonne's legacy extends beyond her immediate family. She leaves behind a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each carrying a piece of her love with them.

Her educational journey began at Omemee primary school in North Dakota and continued at Fargo High School, where she graduated in the class of 1947. She furthered her education in nursing at Normandale Community College, where she developed the skills and knowledge that would shape her impactful career.

She was known for having great pride in her Norwegian heritage, her love of reading (especially books by Lorraine Snelling), music by Danny O'Donnell, playing BINGO, visiting the Casino and being the #1 Minnesota Wild Hockey fan! Yvonne also loved a crisp, thin crust pizza, a coffee with just a splash of milk, and dark toast (if it's not burnt it is just warm bread).

Yvonne's dedication to her family, her unwavering faith, and her commitment to providing compassionate care to others will forever be remembered. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all who knew her. May her soul find eternal rest, and may her memory be a blessing to those whose lives she touched.

A Catholic Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will take place Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Friday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Burial will occur at a later date at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Lunch will follow Mass at the KC Hall.