Jan. 25, 1929 - March 3, 2010

ELKHART -- Michael R. Shaffer, 81, of Elkhart, died at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday (March 3, 2010) at his residence after an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 25, 1929, in Goshen to Raymond and Florence (Burke) Shaffer. On Dec. 13, 1990, he married Marlene Ann (Foley) Shaffer in Elkhart.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene, of Elkhart; daughter, Shelley (Larry) Stewart of Syracuse; son, John Shaffer of Scottsdale, Ariz.; brothers, Alvin Shaffer of Orland, and Lloyd Shaffer of Goshen; sister, Mary (Michael) Grays of Goshen; stepchildren, Debra (Rick) Maxon of Gainesville, Mo., Georgia Ana (Fred) Gallarde of Las Vegas, D. Anne (Fred) Cox of Michigamme, Mich., and David (Lori) Pooler of Bristol; grandchildren, Travis Stewart of Goshen, Jackson Stewart of Indianapolis and Cory Stewart of Goshen; four stepgrandsons; 12 stepgranddaughters; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and special friends, Walt and Teri Funk of Elkhart.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service on Monday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Mr. Cecil Marchant will officiate. Burial will be in Prairie Street Cemetery, where graveside military honors will be conducted by DAV Chapter 19 and the United States Army funeral honor guard.

Mr. Shaffer attended Goshen High School and served in the United States Army as a sergeant first class from 1950 to 1953. He was employed as a line welder at Riblet's Products for 37 years prior to retiring in 1989. He was a member of Grace Brethren Church, where he taught Sunday school for many years. He was a lifetime member of the DAV Chapter 15 and a longtime member of American Legion Post 143 and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 836, all in Goshen.

Mike was a very humble and special man who loved God first, his family and many friends. He loved to play euchre. He loved his Chicago Cubs, in their good times and bad, and they never listened to him when he would umpire each game from his La-Z-Boy. He enjoyed helping the elderly and was a friend to everyone he met. The voice of Donald Duck has been put to rest.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 C.R. 19, Bristol, IN 47507. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.