Brandy Jean (Hackbarth) Schafer
1985-2022
Brandy Jean (Hackbarth) Schafer, 36, was welcomed into her eternal home on Mar. 13, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her husband, Kody, was with her as she left this world along with the pain she had endured for the last two years. A celebration of life for Brandy will take place on Saturday, Apr. 23, at Zondlo’s Ballroom, in Rib Lake from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Brandy was born on Dec. 24, 1985 in Columbus to William and Jennifer Hackbarth. She attended the Rib Lake schools and was a 2004 graduate of Rib Lake High School in Rib Lake. Brandy was a 2010 graduate of UW Stevens Point, earning a degree in Elementary Education. In September of that year, she began her career as a kindergarten teacher at Rib Lake Elementary School. Returning to her hometown to teach kindergarten had been a lifelong dream of hers.
Brandy married Kody Schafer on June 21, 2014. Together they made their home at N7464 Peche Drive near the home where she grew up. Two handsome little boys joined their family over the next few years. To know Brandy was to know her sons, Sawyer and Lincoln. She loved telling stories about her amazing little men. They filled her days with adventurous antics and laughter, and they overflowed her mother’s heart.
For the past 11-1/2 years, Brandy has passionately poured herself into her classroom. She was the queen of school dress up days and never missed an opportunity to wear her Packer garb to celebrate her favorite team. She demonstrated strength of character and determination in her effort to continue working, even after her diagnosis in January of 2020. Just before Christmas, 2021 almost two years later, she came to the heartbreaking realization that she could no longer continue teaching.
The world was blessed by Brandy’s presence. Those who knew her well will remember Brandy for her humility, her generosity, her spunk, and her hearty laugh. She was quick to smile and to affirm others on a daily basis. This was a testament to her indomitable spirit, which seemed to gain strength even after her diagnosis. Her strong faith in God’s plan carried her through the most difficult days, allowing her to focus on others and their needs. Brandy enjoyed music, and during the last several months of her battle, many songs spoke deeply to her spirit and sustained her through the roughest moments. In her last days she demonstrated bravery, acceptance, and peace in her heart.
Brandy was happiest when she was surrounded by loved ones. Her fondest times were spent with family and friends, usually enjoying a Dr. Pepper and a Reese’s while she laughed, visited, enjoyed stories, and shared life. Her contagious enthusiasm was a blessing to those closest to her heart. Besides her friends, family, and students, her great loves in this world were Brett Favre and Dolly Parton.
Her absence from this earth will be felt by countless more than she could ever have imagined. She was deeply loved and she will be profoundly missed. Her indelible fingerprints have left impressions on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Besides her husband, Kody, Brandy; is survived by her two sons, Sawyer and Lincoln. She is further survived by her parents, William and Jennifer; her sisters, Sara (Bo) Masuch and Rebecca (Dallas) Walker; her brothers, Jeremiah and Walter (MaKayla) Hackbarth; eleven nieces and nephews, Jimmie Masuch, Kellie (Lucas) Judah, Terry Masuch, Devany Walker, Whitney Walker, AbbyGail Walker, Vivian Schafer, Harrison Schafer, Gavin Robie, Nina Robie, and Elaine Hackbarth; and three great-nieces and nephews, Liam Judah, Winnifred Judah, and Jimma Masuch.
Brandy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather; her paternal grandmother; her Aunt Sandra; and her Uncle Lee.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com.
Paid Obituary 118121
