Memorial
Helen “Gerri” Schafer (88) of Cedar Rapids passed away on Wednesday February 19, 2020 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House surrounded by her loving family. Per Helen’s wishes her body has been donated to the University of Iowa for medical research. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Helen Geraldine “Gerri” Benninger was born on July 17, 1931 in the Bronx, New York; the daughter of William and Helen (McMahon) Benninger. She was an interior decorator at Hall Home Furnishings for 35 years. Helen was a strong woman of the Christian faith with a great love of family and friends. She was a free spirit and dreamer who was always living in the moment.
Those left to cherish Helen’s memory are her three sons; Mike Schafer of Marion, Gregg (Teresa) Schafer of Swisher and Stephen (Joyce) Schafer of Denver, Colorado; 7 grandchildren, Melissa and Sarah Schafer, Larisa Rogers, Leah Reyes, Justin Schafer, Clinton and Tiara Schafer; 11 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters Jackie and DeeDee and 1 brother Peter.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Bill and a sister Mickie.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House or “To the Rescue”.