Kate Bunting Schaffer, 98, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2017, at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.
Kate was born on April 2, 1919, in Albion, Ill., to Oscar and Clara (Simms) Bunting.
Kate was the youngest of 11 children and was loved and nurtured by her older sister and 9 older brothers. Kate’s mother, Clara, enjoyed playing piano and Kate followed that love of music. Kate’s piano teacher through graduation from Albion High School was Mrs. Henderson of Albion, Ill.
In 1941, Kate earned a bachelor of education in music from Southern Illinois Normal University, Carbondale, Ill. She was in demand as an accompanist during college. Kate was the pianist with the University orchestra for the Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor for the 1941 SINU commencement ceremony.
Kate accepted a position as teacher and band instructor in Lombard, Ill. The beginning of WWII greatly changed Kate’s anticipated teaching career.
While at SINU, Kate met Isaac “Ike” Schaffer where they both worked serving meals at a boarding house. They were married Feb. 4, 1943, in Evanston, Ill. Kate soon moved to NYC to be close to Ike stationed near NYC. Kate worked at a bank and waited during WWII for Ike to return to NYC Harbor when he had leave-time between four Atlantic crossings. In 1945, they returned to SINU and lived in student housing, “The Greens.”
The family moved to Whitewater in 1947.
Kate was a 69-year member of First United Methodist Church. She was proud to be recognized recently as one of the church’s longest living members. Kate was active in her church Circle and volunteered in many church groups. She was the church organist for several years.
Kate was an accomplished pianist and touched the lives of many piano students over the decades.
Kate was a kind and dedicated wife and mother. She truly gave her children unconditional love. That love included her many friends and growing family. She cherished each of her daughters, their spouses and every grandchild and great-grandchild. She always had enough love for one more. Simona Beretta of Milan, Italy, was the family’s AFS student 1972-73; a loving connection to Simona and her family continued for 45 years.
Important gifts Kate gave her children were the love of music and reading, and an appreciation of birds. She led by example to teach compassion and forgiveness.
Kate and Ike moved to Fairhaven in 1995. She was a Fairhaven volunteer and often played the piano. She also volunteered at Fort Hospital and was a member of PEO.
Kate was preceded in death by her husband, Ike; her sister, and her 9 brothers. She is survived by her daughters, Ruth (Dave) Arnold, Susan (Michael) Farnham, Ann (Paula Bonner) Schaffer and Nancy (Paul) Evans, all in Madison, and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
This Saturday, April 15 at 2 p.m., a celebration of life service will be at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St, in Whitewater. Visitation is at 1 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall. Family and friends are invited to share Kate’s favorite bakery cake after the service.
There will be a private interment. The family would like to thank the Fairhaven staff and Dr. Kidd for their wonderful care and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fairhaven Benevolent Fund or First United Methodist Church Music Program.
You will always live in our hearts dear Mother.
The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, is assisting the family.
