Neomi J. Schaefer

Neomi Jane (Robinson). Schaefer, age 85 of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2006 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield. She had been a resident at Parkview since September, 2006, following a stroke. On May 2, 1974, Neomi had a fall while riding her bicycle. After surviving a life threatening brain surgery, she never gave up and continued to work and enjoy life.

A celebration of live service will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 9, 2006 at the First Lutheran Church in Fairfield, IA, with Pastor Marvin Robeck officiating. Burial of her cremains will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield following the service.

Friends and relatives may sign a memorial book at Behner Funeral Home & Crematory in Fairfield, or sign the online guest book...simply click "Sign Guest Book" at the top of this obituary.

Memorials gifts to the Education Foundation of Fairfield Public Schools, Inc., or the First Lutheran Church Roofing Fund may be made in lieu of flowers.

Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
Jim Salts
2223 185th Street
Fairfield, IA 52556

Neomi J. Schaefer was born May 19, 1921 in Fairfield, IA, the daughter of Charles W. and Clara A (Anderson) Robinson. She attended rural school and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1939. The Class of 1939 was the only class to graduate from around the square, due to the high school burning to the ground, so classes then were held in various locations around the square.

Neomi worked as a bookkeeper at the Chet Motor Company and later for Les Zillman at Zillman Motors. During this period, she was an active member of the Business and Professional Women's Club and served as recording secretary for a period of time.

Neomi married Kendrick V. Schaefer on April 16, 1955 in Fairfield. They enjoyed traveling, camping, music, and spending time with friends and family. Neomi especially enjoyed growing roses and baking cinnamon rolls that she shared with friends. Ken and Neomi opened Schaefer's Music Bos in 1960, selling organs, pianos, stereos, records and televisions, and remained in business until 1978. During this time, they befriended many Parsons College students and opened their home and hearts to them. A special student to them was Brian O'Hare, who worked and lived with them while a student. This friendship and love lasted for the res of Ken and Neomi's life.

After retiring from the audio and television business, Ken and Neomi moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas, where Ken enjoyed fishing and Neomi making new friends. They remained there until 1997, and returned to Fairfield when Ken's health began to fail, to be closer to friends and relatives. Ken passed away March 20, 1998. Neomi moved to CALU apartments in the fall of 2000, where she reunited with friends and enjoyed being able to walk to and attend services at the First Lutheran Church, of which she was a member.

Neomi is survived by her brother: Rollin D. Robinson of Phoenix, AZ; nephew and nieces: Jim and Joan Salts; John and Sue Robinson; Norma (Hollander Robinson, all of Fairfield, IA; Gary and Carla Robinson of Medical Lake, WA; Bill and Rosemary (Robinson) Trehay of Hot Springs Village, AR; Don and Sandy (Robinson) Kehoe of Cheshire, CT; Al and Judy (Robinson) Eaton of Tucson, AZ, "Ock" and Joan (Robinson) Peterson of Phoenix, AZ, and "son" Brian O'Hare.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ken, brothers Fred, Dell, and Harry, and a sister Hazel A. Salts.