Beckie Ann Schaefer

Rebecca “Beckie” A. Schaefer, 71, of Litchfield, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Lakeside Generations Health Care in Dassel.

Celebration of Beckie’s life will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Service.

Beckie was born on March 12, 1953, in St. Cloud, MN, to Russel and Betty (Coborn) Clepper, the third of seven children. Beckie's early childhood was spent in the Willmar/Eagle Lake area, followed by St. Cloud where, in 1971, she was part of the first graduating class at Apollo High School. While working at Stadium Pizza in high school, she met the future love of her life, Cliff Schaefer through a mutual friend.  The two were wed at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids on September 11, 1973. In 1976 they welcomed their daughter Karrie, and in 1981 their son Adam.  

In 1973, the couple would embark on a 41-year long career in photography, opening their first location in Litchfield. Schaefer’s Photography expanded in 1981 to their flagship location in downtown Litchfield.  Beckie was an integral part of the operation/services offered including studio sessions, camera sales, film development, portrait and frame design, and especially weddings (no one knew how to pin a flower on a suit like she could!).  After retiring in 2014, the couple enjoyed traveling, especially to Texas and California to spend time with their grandchildren.  She also loved traveling to places near the ocean where she could watch whales, dolphins, and snorkel.  Beckie loved spending time at their cabin on Pearl Lake.  She would water ski, jet ski, swim, sit and enjoy the sun, and enjoy quality time with family.

Beckie will be remembered for her loving and caring nature. Many memories were made baking cookies with family and decorating for holidays.  Beckie was a past President of the JC Women in Litchfield and was honored as one of the top five presidents in the nation.  She and Cliff were also named Grand Marshall(s) for Litchfield's 2007 Watercade celebration.

Left to cherish Beckie’s memory is her husband of over 50 years, Cliff; her children: Karrie (John) Choi and Adam (Heather) Schaefer; her grandchildren: Miles, Ava, and Charley; her sisters, Wendy (Rodney) Atkinson and Terry (Danny) Bicknell; and her brothers, Scot and Tim (Fran) Clepper.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Russ and Betty; and brothers, Rusty and Robie Clepper.