Barbara W. Schaefer

1953 - 2023

Schaefer, Barbara W.

October 11, 1953 - October 21, 2023

Barbara Wittmann Schaefer passed from this earthly life on October 21, 2023.

She began her life with a smile on her face and joy in her heart on the family farm near Hooper, NE, by way of the Fremont Hospital on October 11, 1953. She was then raised in Lincoln, NE.

Her parents, Ruby (Peck) and Oscar Wittmann have preceded her. Barb is survived by husband, Ron; sister, Kathy Brenner, of Eden Prairie, MN; uncle, Robert Peck (Mary), of Plymouth, MN; and many cousins and dear friends.

Upon entering the law profession, Barb was in private practice from 1978-1981, and then joined Union Pacific Railroad as an attorney in May 1981. She was elected Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Union Pacific Corporation in April 1997, and was also elected Corporate Secretary for Union Pacific Corporation in June 2004. Barb was a strong and effective leader in developing a skilled, engaged, and diverse workforce. She retired from Union Pacific on March 1, 2013.

Barb served as a board member of many non-profit and professional organizations and chaired the boards of Children's Hospital and Medical Center, The Urban League of Nebraska, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the Midlands, and Lauritzen Gardens.

Barb was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Weitz Funds, and of the Boards of Directors of the University of Nebraska Foundation and the Mutual of Omaha Bank.

Barb received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1975, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, a J.D. Degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1978, and completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard University. Barb enjoyed running, biking, reading, needlepointing, water skiing, and spending time at any lake.

May your memories of Barb bring you joy. Memorials are suggested to the UNL College of Law, Lauritzen Gardens or All Saints Episcopal Church.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, November 4, 2023, 10:30 a.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 9302 Blondo St. To view a live broadcast of the service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the "Live Cast" button at the top of the home page.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER

West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.

(402) 391-3900 | heafeyheafey.com