Robert Shafer

VISITATION:

10-11 a.m., Saturday, August 4 at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Saturday, August 4 at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St., Chippewa Falls

Robert H. Shafer, 83, of Chippewa Falls, died Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family while under the care of Mayo Health System Hospice.

Bob was born June 11, 1929 in Melrose to Julia (Johnson) and Lloyd Shafer. In 1943, his family moved to Altoona, where Bob attended school.

Growing up, Bob worked on his grandfather's farm. Following high school, he worked as a brick layer for Gorton Brothers and also worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956.

After the military, Bob owned and operated the Standard Oil Station in Chippewa Falls, later becoming a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office until his retirement in 1988.

Bob wasn't one to slow down due to retirement, so he continued working. He delivered flowers for Christensen Florist in Chippewa Falls; drove for Eau Claire Passenger Service; drove school bus for the Chippewa School District; and drove cars for Markquart Motors.

He married Annette Engel on June 7, 1974 at Zion United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls. The two continued to be loyal and dedicated members there.

Always on the go, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and friends and loved to travel. He and Annette enjoyed mixed bowling on Sunday nights and league bowling on Tuesdays. Bob had many coffee friends at church and at McDonald's in Chippewa Falls. Bob was first to be quick with a joke and was known for his many pranks over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Annette; daughter, Brenda Balsiger; son, Jason (Robin) Shafer, all of Chippewa Falls; step-daughters, Sally (David) Kurth of Colorado Springs, CO, Christine (Gordy) Klingbill of Prior Lake, MN, Susan (Kent) Wheelock of Woodbury, MN, Karen (Joe Ati) McDevitt of Peoria, AZ; Jill (John) Becker of Osseo, Pamela (Harry) Bliss of Sun City, AZ; three sisters, Mona Kleist, Deanna Shafer, both of Altoona, Peggy Anderson of Eau Claire; a brother, Glenn (Eunice) Shafer of Eau Claire; in-laws, Cora Shafer of Eau Claire, Gale and Mary Ann Engel of Chippewa Falls, Rodger and Mickey Engel of Madison, Duane and Jo Engel of New Mexico, Charles and Nancy Bresina of Chippewa Falls, Russel and Barb Nelson of Bloomer; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; special family friend, Kathy Kroll of Eau Claire; and many church member friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Passon; and a brother, Bill Shafer.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 4 at Zion United Methodist Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Ann Scott officiating. Military honors provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will follow the service.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory are appreciated and may be made to the family or at any RCU branch office.

Bob's favorite meal was church pot luck; hot dishes, salads and of course, desserts! His family would like to have a traditional pot luck in his honor immediately following the service in the fellowship hall at the church. Please feel free to bring a dish to pass.

AFTERSERVICE

A memorial service for Robert H. Shafer, 83, of Chippewa Falls, washeld at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 4 at Zion United Methodist Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Ann Scott officiated and music was provided by organist, Jackie Gibbs and soloist, Firma Zais.

Military honors were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council and Frankie Rineck bugled Taps.