Rachel Elizabeth Schafer

Rachel Elizabeth Schafer, age 91, of Cottage Grove passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 28, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas, 920 Holley Ave., St. Paul Park, MN with a visitation from 10-11 AM. Following the service, burial will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in St. Paul Park, MN. All are invited to a luncheon at the church after interment. The service will be Livestreamed for those who would want to view it online - see below. 

Rachel was born on April 7, 1934 in Wells, MN to Aristeo and Clotilde (Hernandez) Torres. She grew up in Blue Earth, MN graduating from high school there. Rachel was united in marriage to the love of her life, Eldred "Al" on February 20, 1956 in California. They lived there a short time before moving to Cottage Grove, MN in 1959 where she has been a livelong resident ever since. Rachel worked at Ecowater Systems in Woodbury for many years before retiring.

In her spare time Rachel enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching hockey, following politics and winters in Texas. She volunteered in the schools reading books to children in both MN and Texas. She was involved at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in the women's guild and prayer chain. The heart of her life revolved around her family, cherishing that over anything else. She will be missed for her kindness and hospitality making everyone around her feeling cared for and loved.

Rachel is survived by her children Mike (Glisel), Chuck (Paula), Roger (Maribel), Monica Schafer and Gail King; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; siblings Gloria, Joey, Mike and Alice and many nieces and nephews. Rachel is preceded in death by her parents; husband Eldred "Al"; granddaughter Jessica Schafer; siblings Josephine, Pat, Maria "Butch", Raymond, Marty, Margaret "Muggs", Carmen and Peter.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the memory care staff at Norris Square for their compassion and wonderful care throughout the years.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.