Loretta M. Scheffers-Krestel

Loretta May Scheffers-Krestel

Loretta M. Scheffers-Krestel, age 90, of Orland Park, IL, ascended into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, her savior, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Loretta was born on May 4, 1935, in Richland County, WI, to Gerald and Waunita (Glick) Keys. She had four siblings- three brothers, Guy, Merlin and Gerald, Jr. and one sister, Geraldine. Loretta found love with Robert John Scheffers, saying “I do” on August 8, 1952. They made their home in Harvey, IL, working as a clerk in the pharmacy at Illinois Central Hospital. A year later, they welcomed their first child, Steven John, into the world. Three years later, a daughter was born, Terri Lyn. Loretta was the consummate mom who effectively managed both home and work. She fervently supported her children’s extracurricular activities while eventually settling in for years as an insurance clerk for Wyman Gordon.

Following the untimely death of her husband after 40 years of marriage, Loretta was blessed to meet and marry Samuel Krestel in 1993. Their 28-year marriage was filled with much love and joy.

Loretta’s artistic talent, which ran in the family, shone for many years with her eye-catching ceramic displays that many still cherish. She was also gifted with an extraordinary voice that she used throughout her life to sing praises to God in church choirs. Even in her final years, when a church hymn was playing, she would begin harmonizing with the song. Her voice will be missed.

Loretta is survived by her two children, Steven (Joyce) Scheffers and Terri (David) McDonald, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; as well as her stepchildren Edward (Lynda) Krestel, Wayne (Sharon) Krestel, Perry (Brenda) Krestel, Jean (David) Boyce, Patty (Tim) Tabisz, the late Byron (Peggy) Krestel, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home, 112 W. Main Street, Peotone, IL on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Funeral service will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m.

Burial Service will be private. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.

Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com