Patricia “Pat” Schafer was born October 5, 1934 in Johnston City, Illinois to John and Johanna (Tresp) Yotkewich. She lived in Johnston City, Illinois until her marriage to John D. Schafer on June 22,1956, at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Johnston City and then moved to Mount Vernon, Illinois.
Pat was employed at General Radiator for over 34 years starting as a Receptionist. She then worked in positions in Purchasing, Payroll, Human Resources and Manger of Production Scheduling and Traffic. She was also employed at Mount Vernon Electric for over 10 years. After her retirement, she did volunteer work with AARP Tax- Aide and Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her son, Richard D. Schafer of Bluford, Illinois; daughter, Melissa A. Pyles of Greenwood, Indiana; brother, Jim Yotkewich and wife, Mary of Johnston City, Illinois; grandchildren, Joshua Pyles and Amber of Indianapolis, Indiana, Justin Pyles and fiancée, Amber Seibert of Noblesville, Indiana, Jeremy Pyles and Hannah Pitman, Megan Pyles and Tyler Bowman of Whiteland, Indiana, Nicholas Bruhn and Aubrey Small of Whiteland, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Madilyn Pyles and Dylan Pyles; nieces, Minta (Doug) Keirn of Carterville, Illinois and Marlene Krmpotich of Johnston City, Illinois; nephew, Todd (Melissa) Yotkewich of Johnston City, Illinois; and two great-nieces, two great-nephews, and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Johanna Yotkewich; husband, John Schafer; sister, Joann Yotkewich; and one infant brother.
Pat was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Vernon and Saint Mary’s Council of Catholic Women.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Hughey Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Vernon. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Patricia’s honor to Saint Mary’s Church building fund.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.