Terri Joan Schaefer-Calmes, age 64, of Abbotsford, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center.
Terri was born on August 12, 1959 in Champaign, IL and was the daughter of Verlyn and Joan (Luoma) Wilke. She graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1978 and worked for AbbyBank before becoming the accounts payable and receivable secretary for Abbyland Trucking for over 30 years. Terri married Jeffrey Schaefer on August 19, 2001. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2002. She and Roger Calmes were married on December 30, 2011.
Terri’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Roger, and a compassionate, supportive, and loving mother and grandmother to all of her children and grandchildren. Her home was always filled with warmth, not just from her talent for baking, but from the genuine love and care she poured into every moment spent with those she loved.
Terri was an avid reader, spending many afternoons in the living room armchair with a Nicholas Sparks novel and one of her beloved pets on her lap. She often spoke about how the stories of love, resilience, and hope resonated deeply with her, and was a frequent patron of the local libraries, always looking for more stories like these to immerse herself in.
Terri’s compassion extended beyond her family and pets; she was a friend to everyone she met. Her infectious laughter, kind spirit, and unwavering positivity touched the lives of many. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and loved, always offering a listening ear and a big hug to whoever may need it.
Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through her family and friends, who will carry forward the values she held dear. Terri’s life, though too short, was a testament to the power of love, the joy of simple pleasures, and the importance of family.
Terri is survived by her husband, Roger Calmes; three children: Jeremiah (Sarah) Dumke of Bellevue, NE, Joan (Gary Jr.) Mann of Stetsonville, and Jessica (Joshua) Borst of Eau Claire; four step-children: Heather (Jeremy) Viegut of Stevens Point, Tana (Nathan) Cooper of St. George, UT, Jordan (Miranda) Calmes of Dorchester, and Logan (Terra) Calmes of Kronenwetter; thirteen grandchildren: Samantha Dumke, Harlee Slusser, Scott Slusser, Kaiden Mann, Roxi Mann, Jonah Borst, James Borst, Payton Viegut, Parker Viegut, McCoy Cooper, Rylee Cooper, Oaklee Cooper, and Brody Klieforth; and one great-grandchild: Jack Podeweltz. She is further survived by six siblings: Richard (Helen) Boening of Eau Claire, Mary Boening of Marshfield, Kate Boening of Sheboygan, Don (Kay) Boening of Owen, Roberta (John) Selesky of Sugar Land, TX, and Sue Berseth of Eau Claire; as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law; many loved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; other relatives and friends; and her faithful companions Trixie and Charlene.
She is now at peace, joining her parents, Joan and Verlyn; her husband, Jeffrey Schaefer; and her ex-husband Dennis Dumke in eternal rest.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 starting at 11:30 a.m. at Jack’s Cantina in Abbotsford. The family requests friends and family bring copies of their favorite photos of Terri to share. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Clark County Humane Society, a cause close to Terri’s heart.
Online condolences can be made at www.maurinaschilling.com.
