William M. Shaffer

William Shaffer, 93, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday September 6, 2010 at Holgren Nursing Home in Buckhannon, West Virginia. He was a former resident of the Whitcomb Retirement center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM, Friday, September 17, 2010 with Rev. Gordon Barry officiating, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Internment will be in North Shore Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. William was born in Detroit Michigan, April 18, 1917 to Curry and Dora Shaffer. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1934 and married Frances Heppler April 14, 1940. He was a devoted father, and was married 64 years until the passing of Frances in June of 2004. William was a skilled tradesman in the pattern making trade and worked for several pattern shops in the Southwestern Michigan area. He enjoyed fishing and making model boats, several of which have been donated to friends and historical institutions in the area. William is survived by his children Edward (Nancy) Shaffer of Galien, Robert (Gloria) Shaffer of Buckhannon WV, John (Nancy) Shaffer of Honor MI, Ann (Charles) Carpenter of Stevensville, Janet (Steve) Jackson of Lakeland FL; eight grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances, his granddaughter Carrie Ann Carpenter and his brother Richard.