Ella Esther Schafer, 94, of Cumberland died Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Care and Rehab-Cumberland.

She was born July 21, 1927 in Cumberland, WI to Robert and Magda (Danielson) Hegg.

Ella graduated from Cumberland High School in 1945, and in 1946 she married Toby DeDominces. From this union came children: Nancy, Dick and Jackie. Toby succumbed to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1952. In 1955, she married LaVern Schafer, daughter Jean was born, and their families blended. LaVern passed away in 1994.

Ella worked for 32 years at 3M in Cumberland as a line worker, but earned promotions as high as Supervisor before her retirement. Ella was very active at St. Anthony Catholic Church, serving as an officer for the CCW, head of the social committee, member of the funeral lunch crew and as an Eucharistic Minister, all of which combined led to her being honored with the Pax Christi award. She volunteered at the Blood Bank and the Cumberland Senior Citizens' Center. She loved camping with her family, completing puzzles, golfing, fishing, bowling, and casino gaming. Ella also spent hours in her flower garden, especially caring for her Easter Lilies. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children: Nancy (Charles) Zappa of Comstock, Dick (Cheryl) DeDominces of Superior, Jackie (Terry) Manke of Cumberland, and Jean Erlewine of Cumberland; Jerry (Jayne) Holt of Cumberland; stepdaughter, Ruth Schafer of Cumberland; grandchildren: Scott (Angie) Zappa, Kevin Zappa, Jeff Zappa, Missy Capan, Stacie (Dano) Rozowski, Alan (Cameo) DeDominces, Stacey (Shane) Pippenger, Jeff (Ashley) Holt, Ryan Holt, and Philip Capes; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Betsy Cooan; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husbands, Ella was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Marie Yelton, Ann Murphy, and Eleanor Burgess; brothers: Tony Gonzales, Henry Gonzales, Robert Hegg, and Jim Hegg; two stepdaughters: Bernice Schafer and Marge Capes; and son-in-law, Jim Erlewine.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 25, 2022 at St. Anthony Parish Center in Cumberland. Burial will be in the St. Anthony Cemetery. Pallbearers are her grandchildren. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Mar 18, 2022 9:50 am CDT