Gail B. Schaefer

Gail B. Schaefer, 90, of Hartland, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 23, 2025. Born January 6, 1935, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ned; special friend Bill Simcox; her brother, Jerry; and her parents, Norris B. and Natalie Brisco. Gail’s greatest joy was her family—her six children, sixteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Born in Summit, New Jersey, Gail moved with her family to Cincinnati, Ohio, before growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she spent treasured summers on Beaver Lake and Oconomowoc Lake playing tennis at Chenequa Country Club (60-plus year member) and the Oconomowoc Lake Club. She attended the University School of Milwaukee, where she met Ned Schaefer, and married after graduating from Vassar College. Together, they embarked on a life of adventure—moving often in their early years with the Army before settling in Chenequa, Wisconsin, on the shores of Beaver Lake. There, they raised their family, enjoyed golf and tennis, frequent boat rides around the lake, and actively participated in the community through their involvement with Chenequa Country Club, the Oconomowoc Lake Club, Beaver Lake Yacht Club, University Club of Milwaukee, and Milwaukee Athletic Club. Gail generously shared her time and talents, serving on the Village of Chenequa Board, organizing tennis round robin matches as well as serving on the board at Chenequa Country Club, in addition to helping organize antiques for the annual University Lake School Barn Sale. Her love for the arts was filled with frequent trips to the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, as well as participating in a local theater troupe, School House Players. In her later years, she found joy in winters spent in Florida, enjoying the sun, golf, and tennis. Additionally, she continued to travel the world with her friends and family, creating cherished memories along the way.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory in their hearts. Her children — Laura (Grant) Wellford, Linda (Fran) Shields, Ed (Colleen) Schaefer, Fred (Michelle) Schaefer, Joseph (Beth) Schaefer, and Julie (Buc) Bridwell — were her pride and joy.

She was blessed with many grandchildren: FJ (Courtney) Buckley, Joe (Jill) Buckley, Ginny (Craig) Buckley, Patty Shields, Francis Shields, Ned Shields, Teddy (Erin Ramelb) Schaefer, Nick (Sami) Schaefer, Drew (Alexandra) Schaefer, Alyssa (Austin Moule) Schaefer, Nathan (Sarah Lentz) Schaefer, Colton Schaefer, Sam Schaefer, Kennedy Schaefer, Hannah Bridwell, and Abby Bridwell.

Her great-grandchildren — Brynn, Brody, and Brooklyn Buckley; Shane Shalvey; Sophie Schaefer; Cece and Rose Schaefer; and Ophelia Moule — brought her pride and joy.

She is also lovingly remembered by her nephew, Bob (Lynn) Brisco, and her niece, Candice (Ryan) Fairbanks.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our mother’s caregivers for their loving care, especially Yvonne Nelson, Tammy Thompson, and the dedicated staff at Shorehaven and Brighton Hospice

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Gail’s life on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Chenequa Country Club (6250 WI-83, Hartland, WI 53029 ). A gathering will be held to receive guests from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a lunch reception from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM honoring her legacy.

Gail will be laid to rest beside her late husband Ned at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice, with preference given to organizations involved in cancer or dementia research.

Gail’s legacy of family and love will live on in all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.