Bernadine M. Schaefer, 86, of Albers, died Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. She was born April 6, 1920 in Albers, daughter of Albert and Anna M. (Thuenemann) Wellen. She married John J. "Jack" Schaefer on June 3, 1941 in Albers and he survives in Albers.

She is survived by four sons, Donald Schaefer and wife Becky of Swansea, John C. Schaefer of Ellington, MO, Randall Schaefer of Belleville, and Leslie "Les" Schaefer of Trenton; three daughters, Dianne Podzamsky and husband Donald of Prattville, AL, Corla Schaefer of Aviston, and Cynthia Johnson and husband Peter of Cocoa, FL; one brother James Wellen of Trenton; ten grandchildren, Douglas, Michael, Dean, Denise, Rhonda, Michelle, Robert, Katie, Tricia, and Nick; 12 great-grandchildren, Danielle, Abby, Hannah S., Erik, William, Emma, Kyle, Nathan, Megan, Hannah P., Chloe, and Kylan.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Alphonse Wellen, Clarence "Buddy" Wellen, and Alfred "Otto" Wellen; two sisters, Eleanor Bertke, and Leona Singler; and two grandchildren, Rodney and Renee.

Mrs. Schaefer was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Bernard Parish and Altar Sodality. She enjoyed being with all of her children, quilting and her flowers.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2006 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers with Msgr. Donald Eichenseer and Rev. Lou Koehr officiating. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Albers.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2006 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Hempen Funeral Home in Albers. There will be a prayer service at 5 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.