Novella A. Schafer, M.D.

Novella Anne Schafer, M.D., 91 passed away on May 22, 2023 at Ascension Living St Anne Place in Rockford, Illinois. Born and raised in Nebraska before moving to Iowa. Dr. Schafer graduated from St. Joseph High School in Dewitt, Iowa in 1949 as class Valedictorian. In 1953, Dr. Schafer graduated from Mary Crest College in Davenport, Iowa. She then graduated from Creighton Medical School in 1957. She completed an internship in Rochester, New York in 1958 and did her residency at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati in internal medicine. In 1959, Dr. Schafer moved to Rockford, Illinois and practiced medicine until her retirement. She married Benny Lisiecki in Rockford on April 28, 1984.

Survivors include her brother, James L. Schafer (Rita) and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A very special mention to Anna (Joe) Wojewodzki and their sons. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Lisiecki and her parents, Dr. and Mrs. L.H. Schafer and brother, Joseph A. Schafer.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023 in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 201 Buckee Street, Rockford, IL 61104, with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Dewitt, Iowa. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108 assisted the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com