Sherrie Lynn Schafer, 73, of LaCrosse, Indiana passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, unexpectedly due to a rare and aggressive thyroid cancer surrounded by the love of her family. She was born October 11, 1952, in Valparaiso, Indiana to Ivy & Lloyd Miller who preceded her in death. She was the older sister to two siblings: Larry (Cathy) Miller of Florida & LeeAnn Brewer of Valparaiso.
On August 7, 1976, she married Vern Schafer, whom she met while attending Purdue University following her graduation from LaCrosse High School. Together they had two children; Matthew Schafer of LaCrosse, Indiana and Staci (Bill) Bohling of LaCrosse, Indiana. She is also survived by 4 beautiful grandsons: Lucas Schafer, Ryan Schafer, Blake Bohling and Brady Bohling.
Sherrie was proud to have been a 4-H Leader in LaPorte County for 28 years, 4-H Foods Superintendent for 25 years, and 4-H Council member for 20 years. Her passion for 4-H was felt throughout the community. She also enjoyed gardening, mowing the lawn, and spending any extra time watching her special grandbabies work with the 4-H animals in the barn. Barn nights were her favorite while enjoying a White Claw or two after watching a beautiful summer sunset.
She will be deeply missed by her husband of 49 years, her children, and grandchildren.
Sherrie was a private person and per her wishes, there will be no services. Cremation will take place and her ashes will be interred at a later date.
GUESTBOOK
Greg and I extend our deepest condolences to you Vern and your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. -Greg and Vanessa Lippelt
Vern, Matt and Staci there are no words to ease your loss and pain. You are in my prayers. -Ron Eggert
What are the right words? No words can truly convey my deep sadness or my heartfelt condolences for the incredibly heartbreaking loss of Sherri. Across the miles, here in Kansas City, Missouri, I am holding you all -- Sherri, Vern, Matt, Staci and your entire family -- close in my daily prayers. Kansas author Truman Capote once wrote, “The wind is us — it gathers and remembers all our voices, then sends them talking and telling through the leaves and the fields.” It feels right to imagine sending all of our voices to the wind — carrying love, remembrance and gratitude for Sherri across those Indiana farm fields you know so well. Please know you are not alone. You are held in thought, prayer, and great love. -Agi Schafer-Kreiser
Dearest Vern and family, I'm so very sorry to learn of your loss and am sending you my deepest condolences. With sympathy, -Mary Conner
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Sherrie and wish to express my sympathy and condolences to all the family. Words do not seem adequate and I'm just truly sorry for your loss and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your good and fond memories of her are a blessing in the days ahead until you meet in heaven and are reunited. -Van Wysong
I was so shocked when LeeAnn called with the news of Sherrie's passing! Because our mother's met in the maternity ward at Porter Memorial (and became best of friends), I can say I've known her all of my life. My heart goes out to Vern, Larry, LeeAnn and all of the kids. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve and heal. She was very proud of all of you! -Diana Eckert
