Janet L. Schiefer

Janet L. Schiefer, 83, died Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Marion General Hospital after several months of failing health.

She was the oldest of three daughters, born May 18, 1941 to the late James and Mildred (Shroll) Schifer. She learned the role of caregiver and farmhand from an early age. The values and responsibilities she took on as a youngster continued throughout her life. While attending Holmes-Liberty High School, Janet’s classmate, Larry Schiefer, sat next to her at a basketball game and that’s all it took. They graduated in 1959 and were married September 4, 1960.

Janet had a green thumb that she used not only on the farm but also working for florists. She did secretarial work while living in Columbus during Larry’s college years and, when they returned to Crawford County, she was a homemaker and devoted farm wife. She later began working for Bucyrus Schools where most of her years were spent as the middle school principal’s secretary. 

Janet will be remembered as a social butterfly who could not sit still. Her peace did not come in quietness, but rather in seeing that her home was a place to gather and make memories. She was an avid supporter of her children and grandchildren who would drop whatever she was doing to help them in their endeavors. At home, her landscaping and flowers flourished and her cooking never disappointed. Family traditions were important, and she was happy to have passed on the ability to make excellent spaetzle, mashed potatoes, and more. 

After Larry’s retirement, they discovered the joy of lake life, making dear friends and memories on Lake Erie and enjoying vacations with their “Lake Family” to various tropical destinations. She was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, former member of the Farm Bureau, helped plan class reunions, and worshipped at Good Hope Lutheran Church. 

Janet is survived by son Jeffrey (Karla) Schiefer and their children, KaiLee (Benjamin) Niese, KarLee Schiefer, and James Schiefer; son Greg (Cindy) Schiefer and their children, Grace (Jalon) Brown, Caitlin Schiefer, and Nate Schiefer; daughter Jennifer (Bill) Scott and their children, Luke (Paige) Scott and Allison Scott; and great grandchildren, RaiLee, Bennett, and Bryantt Niese. She is also survived by sister, Shirley (Oscar) Kraft. 

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Schiefer; sister, Joyce Hagelberger Wells; and in-laws with whom she was especially close, Tom Hagelberger, Fred Wells, Len and Lee Schiefer, Vicki Schiefer, and Pauline Schiefer.

The Schiefer family will receive friends on Thursday, October 10 from 4-7 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Friday, October 11 at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Tanyce Addison officiating and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Janet and Larry strongly valued education and memorial donations are encouraged to be given to the “Larry Schiefer Memorial Scholarship Fund” through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.