Kathleen "Tink" Marie Schaefer, age 77, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully on her terms on November 4, 2025, at her residence.

Tink was born in 1948 to Gordon and Mary Lou Pittenger in Grand Rapids. She grew up in the area and attended the local area schools. Tink married Peter Schaefer on July 3, 1965. Together the couple owned a few local businesses, and they were blessed with four children, spaced far enough apart so that there was always a child at home.  After the children had grown, Tink attended college in Hibbing and became a respiratory therapist.

Tink was a spit fire in her own right and lived life the way she wanted to, in her way. Her favorite hobbies were fishing, bitching, pull tabs, and drinking beer; to which she was the family beer pong champion. She enjoyed campfires at the cabin, and visits from her grandchildren, just not overnight stays.  Tink hated winter but enjoyed wintering in Florida for the past 15 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Peter; daughter, Lisa Schaefer; grandson. Skyler Bischoff; and siblings, Linda Wenck, Tony and John Pittenger. Tink is survived by her children Pete (Michelle) Schaefer, David (Marie) Schaefer, Lena (Pat) Chapman, Lenny (Pam) Schaefer; stepfather, Jim Goodrie; sister, Jayne Pittenger; brothers, Zev Major (Missy) and Larry (Claire) Goodrie; grandchildren, Anthony, Afton, Dylan (Maggie), Kylee, Janessa, Camden, Sunshine (Kaden), Keira; great grandchildren, Vivadelle and Saylor; and her special fireman friend, Rex.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.