Mitsuko "Meme" Schafer, 72, passed away
Mitsuko was born in
She married her soul mate,
Larry J. Schafer, on
She was extremely honored in
becoming a U.S. Citizen on
Mitsuko proudly dedicated her life to her family as a
homemaker, wife, and mother. She wanted many children, but the Lord Blessed her with two of her own. However, she was known as,
"Mom", to so many other kids that were always coming into her home
and kitchen. She never let one leave without feeding them, hungry or not.
Her, "Dream Come True" career was co-founding, Kanpai
Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, with her best friend of many years, Hiromi
Adams. Mitsuko loved to entertain their guests by
singing Karaoke and cooking her well loved specialties. Hiromi was the Sushi
Master who also sang and entertained. Kanpai opened
in August of 1996. The team retired in 2002 to spend more time with family and
their beloved Kanpai was sold. It still exists today
at the same location.
She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's events from many basketball games,
art exhibits, bowling leagues, and every Grandparent's Day at various schools
on the same day. Her hobbies included sewing, artwork, photography, and
vacationing with family and Larry. She loved cruises with her and Larry's dear
friends, John and Loretta Sloan.
Mitsuko is survived by her husband of 52 years, Larry
"Joe" Schafer; son, Chris (Laila) Schafer;
daughter, Kumiko (Chris) Wilkison;
grandchildren, Kayman (John) Coloso,
Cole Schafer, Conner Schafer, Trey Schafer, and Zane Wilkison;
Great grandchild, Christopher J. Coloso (C.J.);
brother, Yoshiteru (Fujiko) Iijima
of Japan; brother-in-law, Mike (Jayne) Schafer, sister-in-law, Peggy Bottoms,
as well as many newphews and nieces in Japan and here
in the U.S.
Mitsuko was preceded in death by her parents;
daughter, Kimiko Lynn Schafer; brothers, Yoshiheada, Yoshizumi, Yoshikazu Iijima and her sister, Taeko.
Mitsuko's family invites her family and friends to
join them, Sunday, March 10, 2013, at Aldersgate
United Methodist, 5130 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN, in a celebration of her
life and to share loving memories that she brought into so many of our lives.
Visitation will begin at
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