Lori Vancura

Lori Schaaf was born January 20, 1963, in Estherville, Iowa, to proud parents Michael
and Karen Schaaf. She was big sister to three younger siblings, Rick, Julie and Brian. If
you asked her, she’d probably say she was the boss of them. Her siblings often
reminisce about late nights driving around Algona with their mom looking for Lori, who
was very social and hard to keep track of! Lori graduated from Bishop Garrigan High
School in 1981, and earned her undergraduate degree from Briar Cliff University. She
then attended University of Wisconsin-Stout, graduating with a Master’s in Vocational
Rehab.

Lori began her career at Immanuel Lutheran Hospital in Omaha, NE. She then moved to
Lincoln to work at Vocational Rehab. It was here that Lori met her one true love, Scott
Vancura. They married on October 4, 1997, and together built a life full of love and
adventure. They enjoyed traveling (a highlight was their Alaskan Cruise) and spent
many years attending the Oshkosh Air Show. They had two children, Caitlin and Caleb,
her absolute pride and joy. She loved cheering them on in all they did, whether it was
volleyball, chess, bowling or their current degree paths in Physical Therapy and
Welding/Engineering. Although life was busy, she always knew when they needed a
helping hand, some words of wisdom or a home cooked meal. Lori was selfless in
everything she did and always made time for family.

Lori spent most of her career as an associate registrar at Southeast Community
College. Otherwise known as the “master of registration magic”, according to her
coworkers. She enjoyed her time there, especially when her son, Caleb was a student.
She retired in 2025.

Everyone knows Lori was an avid Nebraska Husker fan, often seen in her favorite
Husker shirts. She followed all Nebraska sports but especially loved Husker Volleyball.
A recent highlight was attending the record-breaking volleyball game with Caitlin at
Memorial Stadium. Go Big Red! Lori had a lot of hobbies as well. She was an avid
reader, skilled at knitting and recently started genealogy classes. Family was everything
to Lori and she was really looking forward to learning more about her ancestors.

Lori passed away on April 23, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Left to cherish
her memory are her husband, Scott; children, Caitlin and Caleb; parents, Mike and
Karen Schaaf of Algona, IA; siblings, Rick Schaaf (Kris) of Saddlebrook, Arizona, Julie Wrage (Shane)
of Dallas Center, IA and Brian Schaaf (Mary) of Algona, IA; her nieces and nephews,
extended family, and many dear friends.

The family encourages people to wear red/Husker gear to the visitation please.