Age 89
Of W. St Paul

Surrounded by her loving family, Bernice passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. She was born December 4, 1930 in St. Paul, MN. Preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Robert John Schaffer, brother William Suter, parents August & Clara Suter; in-laws John & Elizabeth Schaffer. Survived by her 4 daughters Lori Schaffer, Janny (Joe) Gangl, Patty (Bob) Tabery, Carol (Scott) Aker; sister Evelyn (Gene) Blomquist; 9 grandchildren Alyssa, Sara, Matt (Megan), Allison (Sean), Ashley (Marty), Jessica, Megan, Joey (Sami) & Jillian; 8 great-grandchildren Anthony, Cooper, Claire, Lauren, Carter, Ceci, Joseph & Jordan. She will be forever missed by her family and friends. Special thank you to all of the caring professionals associated with Health Partners Hospice. We are especially grateful to Karyn and Kailey, her nurses and My Nhia her nurse aide for their compassionate, caring attention to our mom. Due to COVIT-19, private family service will be held at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, W. St. Paul on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 with interment at Riverview Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Union Gospel Mission of St. Paul; 77 East 9th St. St. Paul, MN 55101

Bernice Elenora (Suter) Schaffer was born on December 4, 1930 in St. Paul, MN to August and Clara Suter.  Bernice grew up on what she called the Lower West Side,  172 W. Fairfield St. until 1950 when their family moved to 602 Ohio St.

Bernice met her husband, Bob Schaffer, while attending Humboldt High School.  They married three years after she graduated from high school on August 11,1951, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul. She worked for the State Department of Minnesota in the typing pool in the basement of the State Capital for seven years.  She started working there right out of high school.  Bob was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and was sent to Germany soon after they were married.

Bernice and Bob raised four daughters: Carol, Patty, Janny and Lori. She was a homemaker and later worked outside the home for 30 years as a banquet waitress at the Radisson Hotel in St. Paul.

Mom was a strong independent hard-working  woman.   She raised us girls to be the same. Mom had many friends, some going all the way back to high school.  Mom showed us how the gift of friendship is able to get you through even the most difficult of times.  A close loving family is also something she worked hard at maintaining; getting together often and always being there for each other.  Mom made sure we knew about Jesus and the importance of Faith in our lives.

Mom was also a loving attentive Grandma.  She often helped out with all her Grandkids and took them on many special outings. One that is often remembered is when she took some of them on a bus ride to downtown St. Paul to experience a bus ride and see what was in our Capital city.  She loved seeing her Great – Grandchildren.  They brought her great joy and made her smile.

On Wednesday, September 30, 2020, she fell asleep and saw the rainbow and went to heaven to be with Jesus.  She heard Jesus say,  "Well done, Thou good and faithful servant. Come and share your Master's happiness."  Matthew  25:21