Mr. Stephen D. Shaffer 73, of Rochester passed away at Woodlawn Hospital on Saturday, November 20, 2021.
On November 1, 1948 Stephen Douglas Shaffer was born in Rochester. He was the treasured son of Victor Keith and Wilma Eileen Wisely Shaffer. Growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters Chris and Juleen. During his high school years Steve participated in the Manitous and 4-H cattle showmanship. He graduated from RHS in 1966. When patriotism beckoned, Steve answered the call serving with the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in May of 1972and achieved the rank of Sergeant.
In Elkhart on May 15, 1987, Steve married the love of his life Miss Joann Marie Contat. They enjoyed 35 years of life's adventures while blending a beautiful family of eight. The family tree has continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
With a strong work ethic, Steve worked as a heavy equipment operator in the road construction business spanning just over three decades when he retired in 2003. He worked for McMahon - O'Connor Construction Company, Walsh & Kelly then retired from Reith & Riley. Steve was a member of the Union Local # 150 Operating Engineers and just recently received his 45-year ring. He was once featured in an article for his efficiency and accuracy with operating the heavy equipment machines. He was a devoted member of the Riverview Community Church.
Steve loved his farm, the family homestead and was always making improvements. He collected lighthouses, enjoyed vegetable gardening and once grew lavender. Steve owned a unique set of tools and used them to the max to help others in the neighborhood.
To relax Steve and Joann enjoyed camping with Cecil and Bev at Pike Lake Camp Ground near Warsaw. Many new friendships were made at the campsite. Steve always made time to help Joe and John at the Lion's Club soft serve trailer at the Blueberry Festival. Boiler Up! Steve was an avid Purdue fan! Grandpa Steve always made time for his family and the grandchildren. There was nothing better than getting together for special events and family celebrations.
Left to cherish Steve's memory are his wife Joann, five children: Misty Hoff (Shawn) of Kewanna, Kelly Jenkins (Michelle), Michael Shaffer all of South Bend, Martin Prater (Sabrina) of Rochester and Matthew Shaffer (Vanessa) of Crown Point; 15 grandchildren: Joel, Rachel, Patsy, Tyler, Keanan, Jared, Josh, Katie, Kelsey, Kylee, Jaime, Austin, Cheyenne, Holley, Deanna; 13 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters Juleen Newcomer (Ron) of Rochester, Christine Morgan (Dave) of Burley, Idaho, and his new Sheltie puppy Finley. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Preceding Steve in death are his parents Vic and Wilma Shaffer, a son Anthony Shaffer on January 1, 2020 and an infant brother Michael D. Shaffer. Also Garfield his orange tabby feline companion and Shep his treasured Sheltie.
A celebration of the life of Stephen D. "Steve" Shaffer will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 30, 2021 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Pastor Steve Wilhelm will officiate. His family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, November 29 at the funeral home and an hour prior to his service on Tuesday. The United States Air Force and the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard will accord military honors. Burial will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 Lucas Street, Rochester, Indiana 46975. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
